(Big Sandy, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member and Montana's only member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day:

“Veterans Day stands as an important reminder to honor those who’ve served and reflect on the enduring sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and their families. But we shouldn’t honor our nation’s heroes just once a year—their service deserves our appreciation year-round. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’m honored and humbled to work every day to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable and connect more veterans with the proper care and benefits they’ve earned. As a nation, we have a shared responsibility to serve those who’ve worn the uniform and fought on behalf of our freedoms. To all our veterans and their families—we thank you for your sacrifice. May you be celebrated today, and every day.”

In 2013, Senator Tester cosponsored bipartisan legislation to facilitate the construction of a Native American Veterans’ Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, to honor the military service of Native Americans. The new memorial opened today on the National Mall.