This Memorial Day, we face a changed world in the aftermath of September 11th. We are sending America's sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, to Iraq and Afghanistan. At this time, more than 1 million men and women have served, 1,500 service personnel have died in the line of duty, and 12,000 have been wounded. This weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with families who have lost loved ones, and we hope for the speedy and safe return of soldiers who are currently deployed in Iraq and around the world.

We have an obligation to take care of our soldiers who have fought for democracy and defended freedom. In Arkansas alone, there are over 276,000 veterans. I am proud to have signed on as a co-sponsor to the G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, which will significantly improve the lives of our nation's brave and deserving veterans. This legislation modernizes the current G.I. Bill, which has been in place since 1944 and was enacted to honor and assist our veterans of World War II. The G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century will increase the benefits our men and women in uniform receive today, including healthcare, and will provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served our great nation. 

No other group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our democracy than our troops and veterans. We must celebrate, honor, and remember these courageous and faithful men and women. On this Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have given their lives in the name of freedom and democracy, and we honor those still fighting to protect it.