US Dept of Veterans Affairs issues new, more inclusive mission statement, removes quote from Lincoln

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has changed its mission statement to reflect better the service provided to all veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

The new statement was chosen by a survey of over 30,000 veterans and includes language that is inclusive of all who have served in the military, including women, LGBTQ+ veterans, and people of color.

The mission statement is aimed at honoring those who have served in the military and offering assistance to their families, caregivers, and survivors.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the goal is for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to be able to see themselves reflected in the mission statement.

On Friday, the group released a statement explaining the change.

“To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors,” the new mission statement reads.

The previous statement read, “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan’ by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.”

According to the VA, the new statement is “inclusive of all those who have served in our nation’s military—including women Veterans—as well as Veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.”

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