WASHINGTON, July 31 (UPI) -- Vice President Dick Cheney spoke Saturday at the 83rd national convention of the Disabled America Veterans, in Washington.
"We owe so much to all of our nation's 25 million veterans, but we owe a special debt to those veterans who return from war with injuries and disabilities," Cheney said.
"Because of your wounds, you bear the price of freedom each and every day and on behalf of a grateful nation, I'm here today to thank you for all you have given for the peace of the world and the security of our nation."
Cheney recognized Al Pugh, of Maine, who fought with the 77th Infantry in France, during World War I and was disabled for life by a mustard gas attack in the Argonne Forest. Pugh, who recently died just before his 109th birthday, was the last known surviving combat-wounded veteran of the World War I.
"Many returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have come home severely wounded -- advances in body armor, improvements in battlefield medicine are saving lives that would otherwise be lost in battle," Cheney said. "But it also means that more wounded and disabled veterans will need the help of the DAV as they adjust to life back home."
