MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below in honor of Veterans Day:
“It’s been said that a nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten. We tell the world who we are as a state and as a country by how we honor our veterans, not just on Veterans Day but every day.
“As the daughter of a veteran, I’ve always recognized that we owe our veterans, servicemembers, and their families a debt that can never fully be repaid. My dad served in Germany during the Korean War. He was incredibly proud to be a veteran, and he is now laid to rest among so many heroes at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A newspaperman, he loved to write about ‘heroes among us’—ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I can’t think of more fitting words to describe those who have fought and continue to fight for our country.
“That’s why I’ve long believed that when we ask our servicemembers to sign up and defend our nation, we make a promise to take care of them when they return home. This summer we took critical steps forward toward delivering on that promise when the bipartisan PACT Act was signed into law. This historic legislation will ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs benefits finally include comprehensive care for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during their service.
“I’ll continue fighting for our veterans and servicemembers to access their VA benefits, have their disability claims swiftly processed, and receive the health care they need. Because when our veterans signed up to serve there wasn’t a waiting line. And when they come home there shouldn’t be a waiting line either for the benefits they’ve earned.
“So on this Veterans Day, I’d like to thank all the brave men and women who’ve put their lives on the line to defend our country. There’s no limit to the respect you’ve earned and no time when we won’t be in your debt. Thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice.”
###