Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith release the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:

"Veterans Day is a solemn day. On this day, the entire nation should pause and reflect on the service of the brave men and women who have served in our military. In an ideal world, we would not need to send our citizens abroad to defend our liberties. But since its inception, our country has faced threats from abroad, and the men and women of our armed services have bravely risen to defend our nation.

“On Veterans Day, we should all honor those who have served to protect our freedoms. We owe them an enormous amount of gratitude and our deepest respect. As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work to ensure that our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families have the benefits they deserve for their years of faithful service.”