VIDEO: Senator Peters Releases Statement Ahead of Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released a video to honor Veterans Day. “For more than 250 years, generations of Michiganders and Americans across the country have answered the call to serve, putting their lives on the line to defend our nation, preserve our democracy, and protect the freedoms we all hold dear,” said Senator Peters. “So, to all of our nation’s veterans: thank you for your service and sacrifice for your country.” Click here for video of his remarks. See below the text of Peters’ remarks as delivered: “For more than 250 years, generations of Michiganders and Americans across the country have answered the call to serve, putting their lives on the line to defend our nation, preserve our democracy, and protect the freedoms we all hold dear.?? “Each year, Veterans’ Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the service of these brave men and women. “And as we honor their service, we cannot forget the sacred obligation we all share to support and care for veterans and their families. “We have a duty to ensure veterans can access the benefits they’ve earned, including healthcare, housing, education and workforce opportunities, and a dignified burial. “Supporting our nation’s veterans has always been personal to me. “My father was a World War II veteran, and his service inspired me to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where I was honored to serve alongside some of the most dedicated men and women I have ever met. “So, to all of our nation’s veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice for your country. I will never stop working to deliver for you and for your families. “God bless you, God bless all of 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 has been 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. Recent data shows that since the bill’s passage, over 21,000 veterans have had their discharges upgraded. In 2022, Peters helped enact 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. ###