Lincoln
2024 PRESIDENT’S DAY, FORMER PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
On his second inaugural address on March 04,1865, former President Abraham Lincoln noted it is our nation’s responsibility, which became a promise:
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
I would like to honor President Lincoln this year. I look up to him as the father of our warriors and veterans. Here is why… veterans and their families have received multiple benefits that were non-existent before President Lincoln.
To honor his promise, President Lincoln’s immortal words became the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) motto in 1959, when the plaques were installed, and can be traced to Sumner G. Whittier, administrator of what was then called the Veterans Administration. A document on VA medical history prepared for the congressional Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and titled, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle,” details how the words became VA’s motto. “He (Whittier) worked longer or harder than anyone else to make his President Lincoln’s words his personal credo and the mission of the agency.
President Lincoln’s time tested words stand today as a solemn reminder of VA’s commitment to care for those injured in our nation’s defense and the families of those killed in its service. On March 16, 2023, VA announced an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new motto will still be based on President Abraham Lincoln’s words but will refer to him directly and now read as: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs plays an important role in providing veterans the benefits they earned on the battlefield protecting our freedom. They had to leave their loved ones, often missing the birth of their children, birthdays, holidays, graduations, and many more important celebrations to serve our nation.
In the divisiveness of politics, no matter which party is in leadership, there is one thing not to forget: Americans owe a debt to military veterans, a responsibility to ensure they are taken care of and the wound of war that was inflicted upon them as they did the nation’s work are tended to, both while they wore the uniform, during their transition to the civilian life, and the liberty to enjoy the many benefits of being a veteran. It is a fulfillment of President Lincoln’s promise, making sure veterans can access the support and the resources they need to thrive.” (Harris, 2022)
The Veterans who fall on hard times, and the homeless Veterans must be cared for. There are currently 31,000 veterans who received the benefits of permanent housing and the government. The VA has over 800 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to provide veterans easy access to health care. These clinics provide the most common outpatient services, including health and wellness visit, without the hassle of visiting a larger medical center.
The PACT act also supports millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances while working and living near burn pits and other dangerous environments, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, representing the most significant expansion of health care and benefits for veterans and their survivors.
The Small Business Program also plays an important role in certifying Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business, Veteran-owned Small Business, Women-owned Small Business, and other socio-economic categories to be able to participate in contracting opportunities across the Federal government agencies.
All of these benefits originated from President Lincoln’s promise, a promise to honor and care for those who served and their loved ones.
As we celebrate President’s Day, may all our Warriors and Veterans receive not only the benefits of being our heroes, but also continue to educate, inspire, and invigorate our nation as they continue to serve our nation and in their civilian capacity.
Happy President’s Day from the Silent Freedom Team!
https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn20/Newsflash/Origin-of-the-VA-Motto.asp
https://news.va.gov/press-room/new-va-mission-statement-recognizes-sacred-commitment-to-all-veterans-their-families-caregivers-and-survivors/
https://www.legion.org/veterans
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3216998/harris-for-service-to-nation-america-incurs-obligation-to-care-for-veterans/
Photo by S.A Bond
