November 11, 2003

Fellow Veteran:

I have chosen Veterans Day to reiterate my steadfast commitment to our active-duty military, veterans and retirees.

Throughout my 34 years on active duty, I always considered the welfare of those who served beside me as my highest priority. In the military, I fought hard for better housing, better health care, and better schools for our troops and their families. My obligation and dedication will be no less as your Commander-in-Chief.

Not long ago, I walked the halls of Walter Reed Medical Center and visited a new generation of soldiers who lay in recovery. We bear the responsibility to care for these soldiers and all those who fought for this country. We served when called, and we deserve the recognition, respect, and benefits we earned.

This week, I have released my Veterans Security Plan. My plan will fully fund veterans' health care, expand healthcare options for our National Guard and Reserve members, and end the unfair prohibition on concurrent receipt. It will help our homeless veterans and provide funding to protect schools on military bases. And finally, my plan will create a National Soldiers Memorial to honor those who lost their lives in conflicts such as Haiti, Somalia and Iraq that aren't yet memorialized in our nation's capitol.

But my commitment to our veterans and soldiers is about more than just policy; it's about where my heart is and will always be. I entered the military as a 17-year-old West Point cadet and left with an unshakable faith in our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Regardless of rank, generation or military branch, an unbreakable bond of service connects us all. So on this Veterans Day, I salute you, and I pledge to you that I will fight for you and with you today, and every other day of the year.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark