As American men and women continue to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the country mourns the tragic outburst of violence at Ft. Hood, Texas., it is an appropriate moment in time for us to show our appreciation for our veterans.  At home, the largest deployment of Vermont guard troops since World War II is preparing for Afghanistan.  Sen. Bernie Sanders recently told departing soldiers and their families, "Everybody in this room understands that it is not just the men and women who are being deployed who are sacrificing for this country, we all understand that you are sacrificing as well.  In this small state we have the intent of doing everything we can for you in their absence.  Thank you very much for your service, and we look forward to seeing you home safely as soon as possible."

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, will attend a Veterans Day celebration in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.  The senator has been pushing for greater access to VA health care for veterans in that rural region of the state.  Sanders also recently applauded two advancements for veterans' services nationwide with the establishment of advanced funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the department's recent acceptance of the connection between Agent Orange and devastating diseases.

To watch the senator's remarks to the departing Vermont National Guard soldiers, click here.