Congressional Hispanic Conference on Veteran's Day 2011

Washington, Nov 10, 2011 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2011

Contact:  Valentina Weis (Canseco)
(202) 225-4511 or
Ruth Guerra (Diaz-Balart)
(202) 225-4211

For 235 years, Americans have fought to defend freedom and the ideals that make America great.  From the Revolutionary War to the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hispanics have fought with bravery, honor, and distinction.  In 1981 President Ronald Reagan said this of Hispanic members of the American military, “Few others can claim the patriotism demonstrated by our Hispanic citizens.  Consistent with this, they've received awards for heroism and bravery far in excess to their proportion of the population.”

President Reagan’s statement is a testament to the heart and soul of Hispanics all across the United States.  All of these men and women deserve great admiration and appreciation for their service and sacrifices, and we as Americans are indebted to their dedication to country and service above all else.

Unfortunately, as American veterans return home they are met with a struggling economy and staggeringly high unemployment numbers.  Studies show that veterans have a harder time finding work in times of high unemployment than civilians.  7.8% of veterans looking for work are Hispanic.  This number has increased every year since Barack Obama assumed the presidency in 2008.  Our veterans should not be fighting for jobs after fighting for our freedom!

As President Calvin Coolidge said, “the nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”  Today, and every day, may we remember and honor our brave Hispanic brothers and sisters who have left their homes across America to defend freedom and bring democracy in every corner of the globe.