The issue of a more gender neutral VA motto is the subject of recent, bipartisan legislation efforts in Congress. I sincerely hope that the current administration, in conjunction with VA leadership under VA Secretary Denis McDonough, will change the VA 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.” Legislation to that effect was introduced last week in the House and Senate by representatives Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., and Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, along with senators Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
If we do not recognize all veterans equally from their first introduction to the VA, then we as a nation are not fulfilling our duty to all veterans. As Theodore Roosevelt said well, although he also could have used assistance with regard to his recognition of all veterans, ““A man [or woman] who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” May we all recognize the necessity of recognizing all those who have so honorably served our country with the dignity and equality they deserve. That should include an update to the VA motto that welcomes all veterans as they seek well-deserved assistance from the Veterans Administration.