Schatz Statement On Veterans Day, Opening Of New National Native American Veterans Memorial

HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on Veterans Day and the opening of the new National Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall.

“This Veterans Day and every day we show our respect and gratitude to all our veterans. To the more than 120,000 veterans who call Hawai‘i home, we extend a special aloha, reaffirm our commitment to providing the health care and benefits you have earned, and hope each one of you will feel the gratitude of a thankful nation,” Senator Schatz said.

The new national memorial honoring native veterans was created through legislation introduced by Senator Schatz and signed into law by President Obama in December 2013. Native people have the highest per-capita involvement of any population to serve in the U.S. military.

“Since the Revolutionary War, Native Hawaiians, American Indians, and Alaska Natives have put their lives on the line to serve our country. But for too long, we haven’t adequately shown them the appreciation and respect they deserve. That's why we worked hard to create this new memorial and properly honor their sacrifice. With its opening today, people from across the country can pay tribute to our Native Veterans and learn about the contributions that they have made — on the battlefield and here at home,” Senator Schatz continued.

Alan Karchmer/National Native American Veterans Memorial 

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