Veterans have new reasons to celebrate

Editor:
As we honor our military heroes on Veterans Day, we also celebrate our country’s freedom. This Veterans Day, there is an added cause for celebration. Texas voters approved two constitutional amendments on their behalf.
Proposition 8 will give South Texas and other parts of the state more assistance through state contributions toward building veterans hospitals. Proposition 6 gives the Veterans Land Board the needed bonding authority to continue the Veterans Housing Assistance Program and Veterans’ Land Program.
Our men and women in uniform deserve quality health care and housing that was promised them when they enlisted to defend this country. And although the turnout was weak for the election — another right guaranteed by our fighting men and women — those who did vote helped promote a better quality of life for those who once donned the uniform, as my own father did during World War II.
In the Legislature, we also passed a bill that created the scratch-off lottery ticket called Veterans Cash. The tickets are on sale now and the proceeds will directly provide for the unmet needs of our veterans.
On Veterans Day, I pay tribute to my now-deceased father and to all veterans for their heroic sacrifices.
State Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr.
Austin
Via the Internet

Good, healthy place to live

Editor:
We saw a miracle the other night!
While our state and our country struggle with obesity, we saw hundreds upon hundreds of toddlers, youth, teens, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles walking, running, jumping (and sitting) in the cool moonlight night at Brownsville’s Sports Center.
Families, under the lights were sharing snow cones and nachos, cheering their teams and sharing the “agony of defeat.”
What a happy, healthy picture of our community! Let us not forget: Brownsville is a good (and healthy) place to live!
Cecilia Barnard
Brownsville
Via the Internet