WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:
“I am deeply honored to recognize the service, bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our veterans — on Veterans Day and every day. New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service, and when our nation has called, New Mexico has always answered.
“Our veterans committed to defend the Constitution, our values, and our people, no matter the personal sacrifice. On Veterans Day, we recommit to ensuring veterans have everything they need when they return to civilian life. No veteran should return home without a place to live, quality health care, or the training or education necessary to secure a job.
“I will continue fighting to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the funding it needs and is always working to improve its services. Long wait times at VA hospitals must be a thing of the past, and the care provided at every VA facility must be top notch. On the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I will not stop working for legislation to expand housing benefits on Tribal lands for Native American veterans and to improve health care services in Indian Country.
“Veterans represent the very best of our nation. Even when they leave military service, they continue to give back to our country and to our communities. They work in public service, volunteer in their communities, and continue to help other veterans. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their continued service.
“John F. Kennedy once said, ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ Our veterans have honored their commitment, they have kept their promise. We must keep ours—not just with our words on Veterans Day, but with our actions every day.”
