Washington, DC – In honor of Veterans Day, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Today, we reflect on the extraordinary courage of the brave men and women who protect the rights and freedoms that define who we are as a nation.

“The first observance of November 11 as a national holiday was a commemoration of Armistice Day, thought to be the end of the war to end all wars. Though it is a promise which we have yet to fulfill, each successive generation has answered the call to fight in the hopes that their children will not have to. On Veterans Day, we express our gratitude for their strength and sacrifices.

“More than anything we do today, the best way to honor their service is to ensure that when they return home they are provided the same opportunities which they have risked their lives to defend. This means that we have a responsibility to fully fund the VA, expand educational opportunities through the GI Bill, provide job training to translate the skills they’ve developed in the armed services to the workplace, offer assistance to companies that hire veterans, and ensure access to mental health services. I am proud of the commitment that President Obama and Democrats have made to our veterans, including the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, so that those willing to serve can do so openly.

“On behalf of Democrats across the country, I would like to say thank you to our nation’s veterans and their families.”