"Each Nov. 11 we remember those who answered the call when America was most in need. Honoring our veterans reminds us that our freedoms come at a cost and with liberty comes responsibility.

"Congress has a responsibility to take care of the men and women who are serving and who have served. This year, I helped pass legislation to increase the VA budget by $6.7 billion above last year's level. This is the largest single increase in veterans funding in the history of the VA. This increase will help better serve the healthcare needs of our veterans, both young and old by providing over 1,000 new VA caseworkers to reduce the unacceptable delays in receiving benefits.

"Our young veterans are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with new injuries. We have seen a dramatic rise in Traumatic Brain Injuries due to IED's and roadside bombs. These veterans need a high level of intensive care when they return from battle. I understand the issues faced by our soldiers who come home with TBI. That is why I worked to include language in the Department of Defense authorization that sets aside funding and support for TBI treatment.

"As the years go by, we lose more and more of our veterans. Each veteran has a valuable story to tell, and future generations must hear these stories, even after the teller is gone.

"In 2000, I helped pass legislation creating the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. The Veterans History Project is collecting interviews with veterans and is seeking items such as their letters and photographs for a national collection.

"This Veteran's Day, I encourage you to participate in the Veteran's History Project. You can take part in this important project by interviewing a war veteran and bringing their stories to my office. I will personally present them to the Library of Congress, where they will be preserved and become part of the Library's permanent collection. There are valuable lessons to be learned in our veteran's stories; lessons that will ensure future generations of Americans will never take their freedom and liberties for granted.

"For more information and to receive a project kit, contact my office at 739-3008 or visit the Veterans History Project website, www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to be a part of this important initiative to preserve the stories of our nation's war veterans."