VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day

DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, today released a video to honor Veterans Day on Monday, November 11^th, 2024.?

"Throughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life. Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Senator Peters. "As we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes."

Click here for video of his remarks and see below the text as delivered:

"Throughout our nation's history, generations of Michiganders and Americans have answered the call to defend our democracy, our freedoms and our American way of life.

"Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on their service, and honor our American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and all servicemembers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

"And as we pay tribute to their patriotism and selflessness, we must always remember the sacred obligation that we share to support our veterans as well as their families when their service to our country concludes.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that veterans have access to the benefits that they have earned, including access to quality health care, education and workforce opportunities and a dignified burial.

"My father was a World War II veteran. His service inspired me to join the United States Navy Reserve when I was honored to serve alongside dedicated men and women and eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

"Supporting our nation's veterans is personal to me. So to all of our nation's veterans, thank you. Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. I will never stop working to fulfill the promises we made to you and to your families.

"God bless you. God bless all those currently serving, and God bless the United States of America."

As the son of a World War II veteran and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters is committed to supporting our nation's servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation's veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted. Last year, Peters helped enact into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act - which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans - and their survivors - for the first time in our nation's history. As of August of 2024, nearly 43,000 veterans across Michigan have applied for the benefits made available under this law.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Peters has repeatedly helped advance and pass into law strong national defense bills to bolster U.S. national security. Peters again helped craft and advance the annual defense legislation this year, where Peters secured funding and provisions to specifically support Michigan's military installations and robust defense sector, improve our nation's long-term strategic efforts to combat aggression by adversaries like China and Russia, and give our servicemembers a pay raise.

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