On Memorial Day, we should stop and reflect on the freedoms we have and remember the veterans who have sacrificed so much to make sure that we live free. I want to thank all of our veterans who have served and are now serving for their sacrifice and dedication to our country. I hope everyone will take time to remember those who served their country and paid the ultimate price for liberty.

Our soldiers have served us honorably, in Iraq and Afghanistan and it is only right that we repay them for their service with the tools for success as they return to civilian life. That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of HR 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.  This is a bi-partisan bill that gives our men and women fighting terror in Iraq and Afghanistan and throughout the world educational benefits equal to the benefits given to those who fought fascism in World War II.

This is a 21st century GI Bill that thanks our veterans for their service by providing them with the opportunity to return to civilian life and pursue a full-time college education.  It is only fair that our service members have the educational resources to meet the demands of the new century. The GI Bill of the World War II era sparked economic growth and expansion, and by giving our veterans the education and support they need, we increase their opportunities as well as build our economy.

This is bi-partisan legislation and I urge congress to pass it immediately.