Dear John,
In an era where a self-dealing president plans a huge military parade to celebrate his own birthday, while cutting services, benefits, and jobs for actual military veterans, we need a reminder of what true patriotism looks like.
In a few weeks, on June 6, 2025 – the anniversary of D-Day – veterans, military families, and allies will gather on the National Mall and in cities across the country to remind our nation what true patriotism means: keeping our promises to those who served.
Patriotism is not just about honoring the past. It’s about showing up in the present – for the veterans who risked everything to protect our freedoms, and for the democracy they fought to defend. But today, those freedoms are under threat.
The current administration and congressional leaders are advancing proposals that would slash veterans’ benefits, privatize VA health care, and purge veterans from the federal workforce – all while pushing policies that would politicize the military and concentrate unchecked power in the Executive Branch.
Veterans’ benefits are not handouts. They have been earned through acts of sacrifice and service. We have a solemn commitment to take care of our veterans when they return. Now, we must honor that contract.
America must keep its promise to those who served. Join the march and stand up for veterans who have earned our respect and gratitude by adding your name now!
The GOP Congress and President Trump are threatening veterans’ benefits and services on multiple fronts, including:
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VA Budget Cuts:
Proposals would gut billions from the VA over the next decade, leading to fewer doctors, longer wait times, and diminished care for PTSD, suicide prevention, and chronic conditions.
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VA Privatization:
Efforts to funnel care to for-profit providers threaten to hollow out the VA system from within, leaving veterans without the specialized support they need.
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Disability & Pension Cuts:
Budget plans include freezing or restructuring disability and pension payments, causing harm especially to aging and disabled veterans.
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Federal Workforce Purge:
Trump’s proposed Schedule F would purge career federal employees from public service, including tens of thousands of veterans, stripping them of job protections and weakening democratic institutions.
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Politicizing the Military:
At the same time, politicians are proposing measures that would erode constitutional checks and insert partisan agendas into our military operations – undermining the apolitical nature of our armed forces.
This is a defining moment for our nation. On June 6, stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans and allies to say: No more broken promises to the veterans who served in time of need.
We demand that Congress protect earned benefits, defend federal jobs, and preserve the rule of law. No cuts, no delays, and no privatization of services. Congress must stop Trump’s proposed Schedule F purge and protect veterans in public service. Above all, we must keep the military nonpartisan and uphold constitutional checks and balances.
This is our time to show what patriotism really means: showing up, standing together, and fighting for the America we want and deserve. An America that honors its veterans. An America that serves all its people – not just the few with power and privilege.
We must protect earned benefits, defend federal jobs, and preserve the rule of law. Unite with veterans by signing on to the march now!
Thank you for showing your support for our veterans.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
