(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As Kansans prepare to commemorate Memorial Day, Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) today encouraged participation in the Veterans History Project, an initiative to honor and remember our nation’s war and cold war veterans, as well as the civilians who supported their efforts.

“The memories of our heroes tell the story of our nation’s perseverance and commitment to democratic values. This generation and future Americans have much to learn from those who have served,” Moore said.

The Veterans History Project seeks to capture the experiences of all veterans and the civilians who supported them through a permanent collection of audio and video recordings, memoirs, wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. The collection includes the experiences of war veterans from all service branches, the Coast Guard, the Merchant Marines.

“I hope that everyone will take a moment to help preserve these stories of sacrifice as a part of the permanent historical record of our nation,” Moore said. “Throughout our nation’s history, no other group of Americans has stood stronger or more bravely for our country than our military. That’s why I am so proud of the historic new commitments this Congress is making to protect them and provide them with the benefits they deserve.”

The 110th Congress has previously enacted the largest increase in funding for veterans’ health care in the VA’s 77-year history. With the VA expected to treat 5.7 million patients in the coming year—including more than 293,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans—Congress has made it a priority to fund health care and benefits that they were promised and that they deserve.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved legislation creating a new GI Bill to restore full, four-year college education to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Under the new GI Bill, service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses. Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Right now, veterans’ education benefits cover only about 70 percent of the cost of a public-school education and 30 percent of a private institution.

This week, the House also took action on a series of bills that will improve benefits and services for veterans. The House approved legislation that will: provide a cost of living adjustment and increase the rates of disability and survivor benefits for our nation’s veterans; establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Administration, and; expand and improve aid to veterans suffering from substance abuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries.

In addition to acting on key veterans’ legislation, Moore also voted this week on the Department of Defense authorization legislation that includes a comprehensive plan to support our troops, restore military readiness and provide servicemen and women with a much needed pay raise. The House also passed a bill to provide $1.3 billion in tax relief for military families, including helping our service members in combat to get the Earned Income Tax Credit.

"We have made great progress on behalf of our veterans and our troops, but I know more remains to be done,” added Moore. “This Memorial Day, I join our entire nation in remembering those who have served our country and honoring those heroes who continue to do so today."