Recognizing Military Suicides: Condolence Letters
Floor Speech
* Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to express my gratitude to President Obama for altering U.S. government policy to end the practice of denying condolence letters to the families of soldiers who commit suicide while serving abroad. I strongly support that change, and I applaud President Obama for taking this important step.
* The men and women who commit suicide while serving our country on active duty overseas are casualties of war, and I strongly believe that they should be remembered as such. Those soldiers suffer the unseen wounds of war, which, though often ignored, can be devastating. Their sacrifice for our Nation should be honored and celebrated, and their surviving families and friends should know that we appreciate their loved ones' service.
* In his statement announcing the policy change, the President emphasized that these men and women suffered the consequences of war, and they did not receive the services and treatment that they needed. As the President emphasized, that needs to change. We need to do far more to help those who bear the burden of our wars, by ensuring that they have the physical and emotional support they need, access to quality mental health services, and assistance to help them and their families cope with the immense stress of war.
* By changing this policy, the President has taken an important step towards reducing the stigma surrounding the invisible injuries of war. We need to continue to work to ensure that soldiers know what services are available to them and feel comfortable seeking out the help that they need.
* The act of sending a condolence letter recognizes the tragic loss and enormous sacrifice of our military families. The mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters who lose a loved one to either a visible or unseen wound of war should know that we, as a country, mourn their losses. We should honor the sacrifice of all who give their lives in the service of our country.
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