This week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a provision authored by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) to honor American veterans disabled for life. According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, at least 3.6 million veterans currently live with a service-related disability.

“America’s disabled veterans have honored us with their service and selfless duty,” Frankel said. “It is now our turn to honor them.”

Frankel, along with Chairman Jeff Miller of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the measure. The provision expresses Congress’ support for annual recognition of the servicemen and women who stepped up to defend our nation and are left permanently wounded, ill, or injured as the result of their service. It was included in a larger bill that would tie increases in veterans’ compensation to annual adjustments to Social Security Disability Insurance.

Frankel’s provision recognizes October 5^th as an appropriate day to honor disabled veterans each year. This date coincides with the anniversary of the dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, DC. The memorial provides an opportunity to express appreciation for the men and woman who suffer from service-connected disabilities and to recognize their enduring struggles.

The measure is supported by the Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

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