On Veterans Day, Lipinski Seeks Memorial to Honor Troops
Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

Congressman Lipinski speaking to members of the William McKinley
VFW Post 231's dedication of the All Wars Memorial ~
located at Archer & Damen Aves. in Chicago.

[Washington D.C.] - As Americans pause this Veterans Day to honor those who have served in our nation's armed forces, Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) announced that he is working to establish a national memorial in Washington DC to honor America's brave men and women who have given their lives for our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is essential that we honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Lipinski.  "A memorial would serve as a tangible reminder of those troops who made the ultimate sacrifice and a reminder of the support needed for our troops who come back home."

Thus far, more than 4000 men and women in our armed forces have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, including at least 170 men and women from Illinois.  Nearly 30,000 service men and women have been wounded.

"Regardless of what people think of the war in Iraq or our policy there, we all agree that the troops that are serving there are heroes, and they deserve to be honored," stated Lipinski. "I have fought hard to greatly increase support for our veterans who return home, and we have been successful in passing the largest increase ever in the budget for the VA.  It is fitting that we properly honor our fallen troops by erecting this memorial and providing support for the families they have left behind."

Representative Lipinski is working with the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) to develop legislation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor members of the Armed Forces who died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.