The Legislature finds that there exists a significant need for health, nursing, medical, rehabilitative, and related housing structures for residents of this state who have served their state and nation in its armed forces. The Legislature further finds that in order to meet this need, it is necessary to establish state veterans homes to be operated by the department, and to vest in the department the authority to establish and operate state veterans homes. This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with this purpose.
Ala. Code § 31-5A-1 (1975)