Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day and I'd like to say how truly thankful I am to all the men and women who served or are currently serving our country.  The sacrifices you make are so truly humbling.  Thank you for your service.  God bless you and God bless America!

I'm also reminded today of the effect Veterans have had on the disability rights movement.  I'm not sure if many people are aware of this, but it was the WWII vets that really started the disability rights movement.  Some came home disabled and wanted the same rights they had before they left.  Others came home and had children, some of those children were disabled.  Their generation said they fought for their country and they were not about to put their disabled or mentally challenged children in institutions.  It was their strong spirit, their willingness to fight for their children's rights, that started us on the path we are on today where people - old and young - with disabilities now have protections within the law.  And for this reason veterans have a very special place in my heart.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!