FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 23, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington D.C. – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading Post-9/11 veterans advocacy and support organization, applauds Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-NY) and Steven Stivers (R-OH), and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for reintroducing groundbreaking legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to update its motto to one that is more inclusive of all veterans who have served our nation in the U.S. military.

“For four years IAVA has been calling for the VA to update its motto to reflect the diversity of today’s fighting force and recognize all veterans for their service, and we commend Reps. Rice and Stivers and Sens. Gillibrand and Murkowski for introducing this important legislation to get the job done,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “Every veteran should feel welcome at the VA in an environment that celebrates the service of America’s veteran community as a whole. This is a critical first step and much more work needs to be done to pass the bill into law this year.”

The current VA motto reads: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” The Honoring Our Veterans Act (H.R. 2806/S.1313) would change the motto to read: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those ‘who shall have borne the battle’ and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’’

The current VA motto fails to recognize the sacrifice and service of over 2 million women veterans and their survivors, relegating them to the fringes of the veteran community. Many of the systemic issues confronting women veterans – inadequate healthcare facilities, mental illness, suicide – relate to a VA culture that does not adequately acknowledge their service and sacrifice.

IAVA encourages Congress to swiftly pass the Honoring All Veterans Act. We must ensure that every veteran who walks through the door of a VA facility feels they belong. Learn more about IAVA’s work on these efforts here.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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