ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION.

TO ALL OUR VETERANS:

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

THANK YOU.

MAY YOU EACH LIVE LONG AND BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY.

THIS MAY BE DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE IF YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION -- THE AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CHARGED WITH THE CARE OF OUR NATION'S VETERANS.

SO, TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, I BEG YOU... I AM PLEADING WITH YOU... I AM DEMANDING THAT YOU GET THE LEAD OUT AND PLEASE! PLEASE! PASS THE LEGISLATION NECESSARY TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES AND COMPENSATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED... AND THE FUNDING NEEDED TO IMPROVE STAFFING LEVELS AND SALARIES OF THOSE WHO SERVE OUR VETERANS. IT IS WAY PAST TIME TO SHOW THESE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, MARINES AND AIRMEN THAT WE ARE, IN FACT, A GRATEFUL NATION.

ALL CITIZENS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES -- REGARDLESS OF PARTY -- AND DEMAND THAT CONGRESS DO THE RIGHT THING BY OUR VETERANS.... AND THEY NEED TO DO IT NOW. IT'S NOT A HANDOUT. IT'S THE HAND UP WE PROMISED THEM. CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES AND DEMAND THAT THEY PASS AND (MORE IMPORTANTLY) FUND LEGISLATION FOR THE CARE OF OUR MILITARY AND MILITARY VETERANS.

I know that the words "on behalf of a grateful nation..." are typically said as military personnel hand the flag that covered the coffin of a deceased military member or veteran to their family, but in this case, I really think it's time that we start saying this and proving that we are grateful and thankful, appreciative and recognize their service while our veterans are still living. Serving their needs while they're alive will mean more to them and their families than the flag their families will receive.