WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement on Memorial Day:

“Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, and we also work to ensure that the price they paid to defend our security and preserve our way of life is never taken for granted.”

“Throughout our nation’s history, Minnesotans have proudly served in our military—from World War I to World War II, to the Korean War and Vietnam, to the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is up to us to ensure that our heroes are honored in death and respected in life.”

“John Anderson of Willmar died fighting in one of the most important battles in our United States history: D-Day. But for more than 70 years, John’s family never knew what had happened to him. His family’s persistence led to the discovery of John’s remains buried in an unmarked grave in Normandy. This weekend, Memorial Day weekend, he received a hero’s welcome and will be laid to rest at home, in Willmar.”

“Betty Strohfus of Faribault flew military planes across the country in World War II – she was a Woman Airforce Service Pilot, also known as a WASP. Before she died this year, she stood up for her WASP sisters and fought for them to have the right to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, the same right as other veterans. This May, the president finally signed our bill into law to instill that right.”

“This weekend we also honor those we have lost by how we care for the living.”

“When we ask our military to fight in defense of our nation, we make a promise to take care of them when they return home. That’s why I’ve worked to ensure veterans who were exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan have access to the medical care they need, and Guard and Reserve members can get the full range of benefits they’ve earned.”

“Every day is a good day to remind ourselves that promises made to our veterans must be promises kept, but Memorial Day is a day that we pledge that we will never forget.”

“Our men and women in uniform – and their families – don’t stop serving our country when they come home. They keep on fighting for their fellow soldiers and veterans – those who live, and those we have lost – to be honored and respected. That’s a true memorial – one we should all work to emulate.”

“Thank you and have a very good Memorial Day. Let’s remember all of those we have lost.”

To listen to an actuality of Klobuchar’s statement click here.  

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