Tester: Say thanks to veterans this Memorial Day

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, today released the following statement for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26:

"This Memorial Day I ask all Montanans to say thanks to our veterans.  Thank them for putting their lives on the line.  Thank them for their dedication.  Thank their families for the sacrifices they’ve made too.  And to the folks who are serving today, thanks for helping to keep our nation free.

I also ask Montanans to join me in remembering and honoring those who died defending our country.  They will never be forgotten.

Memorial Day isn't just about paying respect to all veterans.  It's also about living up to the promises we made.

That’s why I'm pleased to support the new G.I. Bill to give our returning troops better access to higher education.  That’s why I've signed my name onto legislation overhauling mental health care for veterans.

And that's why I worked so hard with veterans here in Montana to raise the VA's mileage reimbursement rate for the first time in 30 years.

Together, we've done good things so far.  But we've got a lot of work ahead.  I have no doubt that working together, we can live up to all promises made.  Veterans deserve no less.

Today my thoughts and prayers are with all veterans, with all troops in harm's way, their families, and with all Americans who have paid the ultimate price."