Here’s Lt. Dan’s message on Veterans Day, sent from his state office:

As we take time to celebrate another Veterans Day, let us not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the freedom each of us enjoy.

For over 230 years the United States has stood as a beacon of truth and justice for all people. On this Veterans Day we take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice many have made in order to keep our country and those of our allies’ safe from harm’s way.

The tragedy at Fort Hood last week brings home the importance of honoring those who fight for freedom. That’s why it is important that not only on Veterans Day, but every day, we take time to honor those now serving in the Armed Forces as well as those who have served. Pray for them and for their families.

The other night Andy Rooney was giving his commentary at the end of ‘60 Minutes’ and he talked about all the wars that have gone on during his lifetime. He talked about the friends he had lost in battles and then posed this question: wouldn’t it be great to have a “No Wars Day” where there would be one day of just peace.

I believe that is what every man and woman serving in the military is fighting for; a day of peace. But until that time, we must all remember the job they are doing and thank them for it. It’s their courage that makes this country strong. On this Veterans Day I salute you, the veteran.

And from the Conway camp:

Today, as our nation pauses to remember veterans both past and present, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, candidate for the United States Senate, is calling upon the Senate to act quickly and diligently to pass the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT).

The bill’s comprehensive approach would deliver improved health care for rural veterans in a variety of ways. It would increase mental health care services, supply grants to service groups who improve veteran care, guarantee equal access for female soldiers, address homelessness among veterans, and authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop research centers to discover how best to treat rural veterans. It will also finally provide for the much-needed reimbursements to soldiers for their costs of driving long distances to receive treatment.

“Our representatives in Washington have grown out of touch. Our leaders should never play political games when it comes to standing up for our veterans. United States Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) should immediately remove his block on the bill and stand alongside Democrats and Republicans in supporting the soldiers who have done so much to protect us and our way of life. We can do a great deal more to provide health care to our veterans. The addition of more rural VA clinics will be a much-needed step in the right direction towards providing the care that our veterans need and deserve. When I am a member of the United States Senate, I will always work to deliver legislation like this that protects our troops and shows our gratitude for those brave men and women who have sacrificed so much,” stated Jack Conway.

Lt. Col. Andrew Horne recognizes Jack Conway’s commitment to helping veterans. In a statement Mr. Horne said, “It is time to stop hesitating when it comes to the health and well-being of our military veterans. They do much to protect our freedoms, and in return we should always give them the utmost respect, recognizing the great sacrifices they have made for our nation. I have endorsed Jack Conway for the United States Senate because he gets results and I am proud of his calling for the immediate passage of the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act.”

Attorney General Jack Conway will be honoring veterans today at the Patriots Peace Memorial located at 3742 Upper River Road (across from Cox’s Park). He will be speaking at 5:30 p.m.

I’d ask Mitch McConnell for a statement, but, uh, we all know he got a fancy little discharge from the military and refuses to talk about it.