U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) says the nation has “accomplished great things” for its veterans but “we have a lot more to do.”

He released the following statement marking Veterans Day:

“Every day, 550 American service members return to civilian life. It’s up to us to make their transitions seamless — to close healthcare gaps, get them the training and education they need to find jobs, and reduce the enormous VA backlog,” Murphy said. “Every homeless, jobless, or sick veteran represents a collective failure of our nation to properly care for those who have borne the battle. I won’t stop fighting to ensure that all of our veterans receive the services they deserve, and I will continue to work towards that goal every day.

“The more than 200,000 veterans in Connecticut and 22 million across the country have served with bravery and distinction. We have a responsibility to provide them with timely care and assistance the minute they come home,” Murphy continued. “I’m proud that Connecticut is leading the nation in giving our veterans the respect and services they deserve. Years of federal and state partnerships have reduced chronic homelessness, expanded access to mental health treatment, and increased employment opportunities among veterans all across our state. We’ve accomplished great things for our veterans — all of which I’m so proud to have worked towards – but the truth of the matter is that we have a lot more work to do.”

Sen. Murphy will be participating in several events with veterans from across the state.

Murphy will award Bloomfield resident Floyd Derick, a Korean War veteran, with six medals he earned through his service, but never previously received. Murphy will extend thanks to Mr. Derick — who immigrated to Connecticut in 1948 and later worked at the Hartford Courant — for his service as a sergeant between 1950 and 1952. Murphy worked with Rep. Joe Courtney’s office to secure the medals.