This Veterans Day Is Different — But Our Commitment To Veterans Isn’t
This Veterans Day will be different than most as our nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic. But while events may be held virtually and parades may be put on pause, we should all still find ways to acknowledge our nation’s heroes: our veterans and their families.
As many of you may know, my father served in World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the deadliest battles in our nation’s history. From a young age, he instilled in me a great respect for the sacrifices that our service members and their families make, as well as the principles that they fight for.
My dad used to talk about the men he fought alongside. While they came from very different backgrounds and didn’t have all that much in common, they all shared a deep love for and commitment to our nation’s freedom — and that was enough.
They certainly would have had their political differences, but that didn’t matter. They were all Americans.
We need to summon that same spirit of unity and common purpose. We need to follow the remarkable example that our nation’s veterans continue to set for us — both when they were service members and when they return to civilian life.
Just as veterans have demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to each of us because we are all Americans, we need to keep our commitment to them and ensure that our country is ever-worthy of their sacrifices.
Part of that commitment is ensuring that they and their families have access to the support that they need. While we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe our veterans, we must continue to try.
As a U.S. Senator, this is one of my greatest responsibilities.
Over the past year, I’ve worked across the aisle to help address the unique challenges faced by veterans amid this pandemic. This includes everything from expanding veterans’ employment opportunities to addressing delays with veterans receiving their benefits.
I’ll continue working on bipartisan efforts to help ensure that our veterans get the resources and support that they need to thrive in civilian life. Together, we must honor – today and every day – all who serve and have served.
