Cramer Attends Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony in Bismarck

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BISMARCK, N.D. - As a tribute to veterans across North Dakota and the nation, a Veterans Day observance ceremony is held each year at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck to recognize the brave men and women who answered the call to serve.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, attended today's ceremony, recognizing veterans for their heroic service and sacrifice in the defense of the nation. Cramer honored the generations of North Dakota veterans who have protected America's freedoms around the world, as well as the service members who carry on that proud tradition today. North Dakota consistently ranks among the states with the highest concentration of military service members and veterans per capita. More than 56,000 veterans reside in North Dakota.

"Today, we honor veterans across our state and nation for their incredible service and contributions to the security of the world," said Cramer. "It is easy to take their service for granted because we live so well and have the luxury of peace every single day. We will never forget the heroic sacrifice of our veterans and will work to ensure their legacy of excellence and North Dakota's culture of readiness translate into policy that supports and advances our military dominance across the globe."

The event was supported by a consortium of North Dakota veterans service organizations, including American Legion, AMVETS, Dakota Leathernecks, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Dakota Sisterhood of Women Veterans.

Cramer led and cosponsored several pieces of legislation to increase access to healthcare services and support for veterans. In February, Cramer introduced the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act. This legislation would provide travel assistance to veterans living in rural areas for healthcare appointments authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He also supported the TAP Promotion Act, the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2023, and the Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023 to improve veterans' access to health and burial benefits.

During the 117th Congress, Cramer led several bills to support the nation's veterans, which were signed into law. The REMOVE Copays Act, which allows up to three copay-free mental health visits, and the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, which allows any honorably discharged veteran, regardless of active duty, reserve, or guard status, to be buried in a state veterans cemetery.