MINNEAPOLIS — U.S Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day: 

"Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. We must ensure that the price they paid to defend our security and preserve our freedom is never taken for granted.

As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, I’m thinking about the countless Minnesotans who died while serving our nation in that war:

I’m thinking of Private First Class Larry Markus from Duluth, who was killed by enemy fire in South Vietnam. I’m thinking of Captain Robert Larson from Moorhead, whose plane was shot down over South Vietnam.

And I’m thinking of Lance Corporal Gary McCue from Bloomington, who was killed in a mortar attack.

We know what our service members put on the line when they put on the uniform. That’s why it’s on all of us to honor our fallen heroes and support the veterans and service members who are still with us. This means making sure that veterans get quality health care when they need it; that they can get their disability claims processed; and that they can access their G.I. benefits.

My guiding principle is this: When our veterans signed up to serve, there wasn’t a waiting line, and when they come home to the United States, there should never be a waiting line to get the health care and benefits they earned.

To all our service members and veterans — and to all the Gold Star families remembering loved ones today — we honor you on Memorial Day and every day. Our state and nation are stronger because of you. Thank you for your service and devotion to our country."