U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Washington state’s senior senator, released the following statement on Veterans Day:

“As a nation, we make a promise to take care of our veterans when they return home from the front lines — it’s the least we can do for those who have sacrificed to defend our freedoms. As the daughter of a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, I have long been committed to making sure our country fulfills its promise to our veterans long after their service ends — and Veterans Day presents an annual opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, and renew our commitment to supporting the brave men and women who serve our country.

“However, the effects of war do not end on the battlefield or after the Veterans Day parades, and the best way to honor the commitment and sacrifice of our veterans is with our actions — big and small. All of us can work to make sure we’re holding up our end of the bargain, whether that’s giving a veteran parent a small break by watching their kids, bringing a veteran neighbor dinner once in a while, or another simple act of kindness that shows veterans you’re grateful and that you care. Additionally, there’s much we must do beyond words to ensure our veterans know their nation has their backs, and have the tools, resources and support necessary to transition from military service to civilian life. That’s why I have fought tirelessly in Congress to make sure our country is equipped to provide for veterans who have a diverse array of needs, including leading efforts to strengthen critical investments in housing assistance for veterans through the HUD-VASH program, pushing to successfully expand the VA Caregivers Support program to veterans of all eras to ensure our caregivers have the support they need to care for our veterans, promoting efforts to increase employment opportunities for veterans and their families, working to address the mental and physical trauma of military service, holding VA accountable for ensuring our veterans have access to the health care they need and ensuring discharged veterans know about all the health care options available to them, and more.

“Collectively, our actions help our veterans and their families live full, healthy, and independent lives. As a voice for Washington state and veterans in our state and across the country, I will continue working to strengthen veterans support services, including pushing to improve veterans health care and mental health services, resources for women veterans, and more. I will also continue meeting with veterans firsthand — like I have recently in Ellensburg, Renton, and Vancouver — to learn more about how our federal government can better serve our veterans. Because the best way we can honor the sacrifice of our country’s heroes — on Veterans Day, and every day — is by taking action and continuing the work needed to support and care for them and their families.”