New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday backed a nationally effort by attorneys general around the country to urge the student loan forgiveness for veterans who have become permanent disabled due to their military service.

Fifty-one attorneys general backed the proposal, urging the Department of Education in a letter to back the loan forgiveness ahead of Memorial Day.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our country and we have a duty to protect them in return,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “On Memorial Day, as we honor the lives of all those we lost, we can also honor the service of those still with us by providing them with this financial relief. I strongly urge DOE to discharge these student loans and support the brave men and women who supported us.”

The letter urges the U.S. Department of Education to develop ma process for loan forgiveness, applying to veterans who been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible. At the same time, AGs urged the DOE to halt debt collection efforts for disabled veterans and clear their credit ratings.