WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:

“In 1919, one year after the conclusion of World War I, President Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day on November 11, a day for our nation to remember and honor the over 9 million — including 116,000 American — lives lost during that bloody four-year conflict. Nearly a decade after the end of World War II, in 1954, President Eisenhower expanded that celebration to honor all who have served; that day is now known as Veterans Day. To those who returned home safely, those who are still missing in combat and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation — you represent the very best of America and your service is an inspiration and roadmap for generations of Americans to come. 

“Veterans Day resonates throughout communities across Maine where so many have answered the call to serve our country. With one of the highest rates of veterans per capita across the 50 states, Maine truly lives up to its motto Dirigo, or ‘I lead.” Out of uniform these men and women are business owners, public servants and volunteers, and are part of the tightly knit fabric that helps to form every town and city in our state. To be home to so many selfless men and women instills great pride, but with that comes a great responsibility. While we pause to recognize our veterans today, the work to ensure their service is honored should never stop.

“I recognize too many veterans continue to face obstacles and hardships in homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and lack of medical and mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors is one that I take as my duty to fulfill as well —  and I have been able to better keep this promise as a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. We owe it to our veterans to put partisanship aside and deliver the support they have earned and deserve. From passing the PACT Act to working to prevent veteran suicide to addressing unseen wounds like those of traumatic head injuries, we have made many strides but there is still much work to be done and I look forward to continuing that work alongside my colleagues.

“It is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my public life to honor the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians and Sentinels in Maine and across our great country that served. Today, we join hands with one another to unite with the common purpose of serving these men and women just as they and their families have served us. On behalf of an extremely grateful nation, thank you for your service, and commitment to defending our freedoms and democracy.”

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