Message Released by John G. Levi, Chairman, Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation:

Today we honor the 24 million Americans who have served in our Armed Forces. Our men and women in uniform have sacrificed for our nation in the World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Gulf War, in Afghanistan, in Iraq and in other conflicts. Their courage keeps alive the values of our Founding Fathers.

Equal justice is one of the values proclaimed by the Founders, and the Legal Services Corporation strives to fulfill that promise every day. A year ago, the Corporation began initiatives to improve access to justice for veterans and for military families. Far too many veterans, including those who served in combat zones, are confronting challenges involving employment, child custody, homelessness and other civil matters. The local legal aid offices funded by the Corporation are helping veterans and military families in need on the home front.

In November last year, the Corporation launched StatesideLegal.org, the first national website focused on helping veterans and military families better understand their legal issues. Since its launch, StatesideLegal.org has attracted tens of thousands of page views and visitors from throughout the United States and 133 countries and territories. The Corporation also began an awareness campaign, reaching out to the Veterans Affairs Department’s Readjustment Counseling Service to share information and create appropriate referral systems to help veterans obtain advice and representation on civil legal matters. We are also proud of the local legal aid offices that serve veterans through homeless projects, veterans’ rights projects and pro bono programs. They are working to protect the legal rights of our veterans.

Please join us today in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans and our military.