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Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today extended her best wishes for Memorial Day to the families of all military persons who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country while in uniform.
The Congresswoman also took the opportunity to salute all Virgin Islands veterans and active duty personnel who continue to do the difficult work of ensuring our country’s freedom.
“The sacrifice of our men and women in uniform continues to serve as a testament to their bravery and their commitment to duty and justice in today’s world,” Christensen said. “I want our uniformed men and women and their families to know that we, your fellow citizens, remain in awe at your strength and fortitude and that you are forever in our prayers and in our hearts.”
Delegate Christensen highlighted the work the 111th Congress has done to benefit veterans and their families, which include record increases in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, a GI Bill for the 21st Century that invests in the futures of our young men and women returning from battlefields, and the bipartisan passage of key legislation providing for reliable advance appropriations for veterans health care and for support of women veterans and the caregivers of severely disabled veterans.
“This will allow the VA to better coordinate for the use of valuable resources, to include hiring of key medical staff and other demands that are unique to the health care setting,” Christensen said. “I am proud of our Congressional leadership for fully funding the largest increase in money for veterans in history.”
Delegate Christensen also praised Thursday’s 234-194 vote by her colleagues to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
“By repealing the policy, we honor the service and sacrifice of all who dedicate their lives to protecting the American people.” Christensen said. “We honor the values of our nation and we close the door on a fundamental unfairness.”
