Louisville, Ky. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today honoring America’s veterans:

“On Veterans Day, we express our deepest thanks to the men and women in uniform, past and present, who have served our country with honor and distinction. From veterans of long ago who fought in the War of 1812, which we mark the 200th anniversary of this year, to today’s veterans who fought bravely in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, this is a day to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.

“Here in Kentucky, we have a proud and honorable military history, as home to both Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, with thousands of soldiers and their families. The Commonwealth also looks with great pride upon the scores of brave National Guard members and Reservists who have given so much to defend our nation.

“Kentucky is also home to 335,000 veterans whom I am proud to represent in the U.S. Senate. They risked their all for their country.

“So this Veterans Day, we pay tribute to those who bore arms in service of country. We should express our thanks and our gratitude to those who are still with us. And we must honor in our memories those who did not return home.

“We pay tribute to the families of our servicemembers too, because they have made a sacrifice as well by sharing with America their sons, daughters, husbands and wives.

“And finally, we pay tribute to the indomitable American spirit that is essential to the survival of liberty. It is thanks to America’s veterans, and their exceptional service, that we have upheld this spirit.”