Veterans Day 2019: Message from LSC Chair John G. Levi

WASHINGTON – LSC Board of Directors Chair John G. Levi  released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:

"One hundred years ago today President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to the nation on the first Armistice Day, the precursor of Veterans Day.

He called for the day to “be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory.” And part of that victory, he noted, was “the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

America’s servicemen and women continue today to fight for peace and justice on the battlefield. They should not have to fight for access to the justice system when they return home. They should get the help they need to obtain the benefits and legal assistance they are entitled to and so richly deserve.

For 45 years, the Legal Services Corporation and its grantees have been providing this help—in 2017 assisting more than 100,000 veterans and members of their families.

Building on these efforts, LSC will launch next year a Veterans Task Force to strengthen the role of civil legal aid organizations in offering assistance to veterans.

This is a vital initiative. After all, who deserves full access to justice more than the men and women who have risked their lives to protect it?"