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Washington, DC – In advance of Veterans Day, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released a video tribute to America’s veterans. Featuring footage with veterans at the World War II and Vietnam War Memorials, the video shares McMorris Rodgers’s vision for a 21st Century Veterans Administration.

VETERANS DAY 2015

On Veterans Day, we pay homage to the brave men and women who have valiantly defended our country.

Eastern Washington is home to thousands of Veterans. And as their representative in the People’s House, I get to the see the best of our communities – the men and women who answered America’s call to freedom; and who defended us in our darkest hours.

Our freedom comes at a great price, and we owe immeasurable gratitude to those who continue to defend it today.

Right now, the Department of Veterans Affairs too often treats veterans more like commodities than heroes. Doors are locked when red carpet should be rolled out; and wait times to see doctors are months when it should be days.

This dysfunction is centered on outdated systems and models built for a previous century. With more silicon and less concrete, we can open up the VA to put the power back in the hands of every man and woman who served.

I am working on legislation that would enable any veteran to schedule their own medical appointments – using the internet or an app on your phone – similar to Uber, Lyft, or ZocDoc. Veterans need to have a system that works, so that when they need an appointment they can get one before it’s too late.

The Memorials in Washington D.C. allow us to express our gratitude.

Our brave men and women who have served in uniform who are risking their lives around the world to keep Americans safe deserve our respect and have earned our support.

Today, as we honor our veterans, we are reminded that we live in the freest country in the world – where we are not defined by what divides us, but bound by what unites us.

To our veterans and their families: thank you for your unwavering commitment to this country and for your service in America.

It is because of you that we stand as the strongest, safest, and freest nation on this earth.

Open Media Events for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on Veterans Day 2015:

Wednesday, November 11

10:00 am Speaking: Veterans Day Ceremony
Location:
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

11:30 am Speaking: Illuminating Courage Memorial Dedication
Location:
Illuminating Courage Memorial
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
If you are interested in covering these events, please RSVP to Ian Field (ian.field@mail.house.gov).