American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Dedication

President Obama; Secretary Jewell; Mrs. Pope; Mr. Sinise; Mr. Wilson; Mr. Joyner; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen: A heartfelt welcome to our Veterans, and to their families.

I am deeply honored to help dedicate a grateful Nation’s memorial to Veterans disabled for life. Individually and collectively, they are the lifeblood of democracy.

As President Obama recently reminded us, “When the world is threatened … it calls on America. And we call on our troops.”

Because of them, our country’s highest principles and ideals endure. Our Nation stands as the world’s foremost example of freedom, justice, and opportunity. And because of them, we can ensure a more secure future for all Americans.

The men and women we honor today—and whom this memorial honors in perpetuity—endure the pain and meet the challenges of lifelong disability. Through their sacrifices and perseverance, they have contributed not only to the freedoms we all enjoy, but also to medical advances that benefit so many people.

As the Nation’s healthcare leader, all Americans have benefited from VA’s successes in treating disabled Veterans. The work of VA’s medical professionals has been recognized by three Nobel Prizes, among many other honors.

Every day, from Maine to Manila, VA professionals deliver quality, compassionate care using state-of-the-art, patient-centric systems—like the electronic medical records that VA pioneered, and its error-reducing bar-code software that ensures the correct medications, in the correct dosage, are administered to the correct patient.

All this is carried out in the knowledge that Veterans disabled in service to our country are at the heart of VA’s mission. Few have given more to America. And here in the shadow of the Nation’s Capitol, this imposing memorial stands as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.

At VA, we are reminded every day of their outsized contributions to our country, and it’s our pride and privilege to claim the honor of caring for those “who have borne the battle.” Without question, it is the most noble and inspiring mission in government.

Thank you, and God bless you all.