BURLINGTON, Vt., – Sen. Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement in advance of Monday’s observance of Veterans Day:

“As we honor our nation’s veterans, we must realize the important debt we owe them, a debt we can never truly repay. We must not forget that the true cost of war goes far beyond dollars and cents. Since World War II, more than 500,000 Americans have lost their lives in war. Millions more have received disability ratings by the VA. As a nation, we have a moral obligation to provide for the wounded and ensure that all veterans receive every benefit they have earned and deserve.

“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am proud of the work that Congress has done in recent years to improve and expand the services and benefits available to our veterans. Much has been accomplished. More needs to be done.

“On this Veterans Day I want to express a special thanks to Vermont veterans. In war after war, from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Vermont service-members have been there when their country called. We are proud of their service.

“November 11, Veterans Day, is the special day of the year that we honor our nation’s heroes. Our commitment to veterans, however, must extend to every day of the year. Together, we must do all that we can to ensure that all veterans in this country get the quality health care and other benefits which they deserve.”