WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, who was in Washington in advance of the upcoming Senate session tomorrow, attended the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery and placed a wreath at the Maine column of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Senator King’s staff also attended several Veterans Day events throughout Maine.

Senator King released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:

“It was at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918 that members of the Allied Forces and Central Powers laid down their arms, an event recognized as the end of the First World War. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 became the date each year for us as a country to remember and honor the more than 116,000 American lives that were lost in that terrible conflict.

“Following World War II, our annual remembrance was expanded to honor all who served, and November 11 became known as Veterans Day.  Today, we continue to pause on this occasion and pay tribute to all of our Nation’s veterans who have proudly served on behalf of the United States of America. Our veterans and their families – those who returned home, those who are still missing, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice – represent the very best of what this county has to offer and I am deeply thankful for their selfless service.

“Throughout our history, we have faced threats to our safety and security, and at every turn there have been brave men and women willing to step forward in defense of our Nation. We owe them our debt and gratitude. But actions must meet words, and this year we have seen some cases where that promise was unfulfilled.

“Unemployment, homelessness, and a lack of access to healthcare should not be among the challenges our veterans face. While I was proud to support bi-partisan legislation this summer that enabled reform at the Department of Veterans Affairs, I recognize that more needs to be done. We must fight for our veterans, as they fought for us.

“In Maine, over 10 percent of our citizens have served in the armed forces – one of the highest percentages in the country. This fact should instill tremendous pride and a sense of responsibility in every one of us. As we recognize our veterans today, together we must ensure that their service continues to be honored into the future.”

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