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Napolitano’s Statement on Veterans Day

November 11, 2016

(El Monte, CA) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano released the following statement on Veterans Day, after attending ceremonies in the cities of La Puente, Monrovia, and West Covina, thanking San Gabriel Valley veterans and their families:

“Today, as a grateful nation we observe Veterans Day, and pay special tribute to all who served us so proudly. Our veterans represent the best our country has to offer, making us the envy of the world. As they have served us, we must serve and honor them.

“We honor our veterans by prioritizing their earned benefits and critical services, including access to jobs and workforce training, education, housing assistance, healthcare, and mental healthcare. As we honor our vets, we also honor their families. While protecting our freedoms abroad and at home, the sacrifices their families have made must not be forgotten. All veterans and their families have earned and deserve the same dedication they have shown us.

"To all veterans—be sure to register with the VA and get checked for full physical and psychiatric evaluations. With an estimated 20 veterans dying by suicide each day, we must learn symptoms of mental distress, reach out to all who may be suffering with invisible wounds of war, and encourage them to seek help. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to connect with the Veterans line.

“Our brave veterans, men and women of all ages and ethnicities, responded to the call of the nation they love, and now we must respond in kind. Let us remember to always show our gratitude, not just on Veterans Day, but daily as you see men and women in or out of uniform. May God bless all of our veterans and their families.”

Each summer Napolitano holds a veterans forum in the City of Azusa, bringing the VA to the San Gabriel Valley to assist with casework. All local veterans and their families are invited to attend. For more information or assistance with VA claims, call Napolitano’s Military/Veterans Liaison, Hector Elizalde, at 626-350-0150.

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