San Mateo, CA -  Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) today release the following statement recognizing Veterans Day:

"A veteran is a complex individual who has witnessed life from a perspective often only imagined by those who are not veterans.

"Above all a veteran who has been in combat, who has seen death, or been injured, or who simply missed loved ones while deployed, is a person with memories that can’t be taken away. Sometimes the memories are of a time past when youth, bravery and dedication triumphed and sometimes they are of lesser things, or greater horrors. On this day we need to respect these memories and their power by offering thanks to these men and women who have served our country. 

"Our troops are coming home from Iraq and hopefully those in Afghanistan will soon follow. Many are already here. Let’s welcome them back and help them as much as possible to find jobs and a place in a world made safer by their decision to serve."
 

###