Donald J. Trump Statement on Veterans

Donald J. Trump Statement on Veterans
 
During my entire business career, I have always made supporting Veterans a top priority because our heroes deserve the very best for defending our freedom.
 
My record of Veteran support is well-documented. I served as co-chairman of the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission and was responsible, with a small group, for getting it built. Toward this end, I contributed over $1 million so our warriors can be honored in New York City with a proper memorial.
 
I have always made sure our Veterans are treated with the respect they deserve. In 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of World War II, only 100 spectators watched New York City's Veteran's Day Parade. It was an insult to all veterans.  I was approached by Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the chief of New York City's FBI office. They asked me to lead as Grand Marshall for a second parade later that year. It was an honor.  I immediately made a $1 million dollar matching donation to finance the Nation's Day Parade.  It was a tremendous success.  On Saturday, November 11th, over 1.4 million individuals watched as 25,000 veterans, some dressed in their vintage uniforms, marched down Fifth Avenue. It was one of the biggest parades in the history of New York City and I was very proud to have made it possible.
 
One reason, among the many, that we need new leadership is that the politicians have failed our Veterans. Our VA hospitals are outdated dumps.  The current medical assistance to our Veterans is a disaster.  If I am elected President, I will build the finest and most modern Veterans hospitals in the world. A Trump administration will provide premium universal access healthcare for our Veterans. They will be able to get the best care anytime and anywhere.
 
The ongoing scandal of the horrible things happening to our Veterans is a total disgrace. Thousands of lives have been taken by the incompetence and corruption going on in Veterans hospitals. Likewise, Veterans are living in misery and are treated as third class citizens.
 
Two weeks ago, I pointed out the problem of illegal immigrants crossing our border and causing tremendous amounts of crime. Now, I have been able to focus the energies of our country on the horrible treatment that our Veterans are receiving. We must solve their difficulties --- and solve them now. Politicians like John McCain have totally failed.
 
Last week in Phoenix, I held a record breaking rally with thousands of people.  They are devastated by what is happening with illegal immigration. This group was totally united --- the silent majority became alive.  These were fabulous people and great Americans but John McCain called them "crazies." Everyone was very insulted by his disgusting and unfair characterization. A nation without borders is not a nation at all but John McCain has not been able to figure that out.

Our leaders have failed to honor our country's sacred duty to care for our veterans. This has to stop but it will not stop if we continue to depend on politicians who are controlled by the donors, lobbyists and special interests. Politicians are all talk and no action.
 
I will continue to fight to secure our border and take care of our Veterans. I will never apologize or back down because these steps are vital to Make America Great Again!