Amalgamated Transit Union International President Larry Hanley issued the following statement to mark Veterans Day:
“This Veterans Day on behalf of the 192,000 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, we honor all American veterans, whether they served in World War I, Vietnam, Korea, Kosovo, Iraq or kept us safe in peacetime.
“Those who have worn the uniform of our nation have selflessly sacrificed life and limb for the sake of our people, values, and freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude greater than we can ever repay.
“We particularly thank our many ATU members who have served in our country’s armed forces. Their service, and the service of all veterans have made it possible for union members to collectively bargain for a better life.
“Veterans Day is not just a holiday for current veterans. On this day, we as a nation should be thinking about our future veterans - today's men and women serving both overseas and at home. Many of them remain jobless after serving, deal with veteran health care services that are poorly lacking, and watch as our politicians cut their benefits.
“Our nation must ensure our veterans have the tools necessary to reintegrate and thrive in the civilian world once they have taken off the uniform. We must provide military families with the resources they need and improve the quality of care they receive.
“They deserve more than a concert on the national mall.
“As we mark Veterans Day, please take a moment to honor those who have answered the call to serve and risked all to pass onto the next generation the liberty and the freedoms that define our democracy.”
