Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed and served our nation in the Armed Forces, and we thank their families who have stood beside them.

Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice embody the very best of who we are as Americans. They remind us that service to others and devotion to our shared ideals are what make our country strong.

Today, I am honoring Veteran’s Day by celebrating the opening of a new senior housing apartment complex in Rockland named in memory of World War II veteran Leroy “Roy” Peasley who died in 2022 at the age of 97. Roy was a friend who visited me often in Augusta, and he spent much of his life in public service after his service in the Marines. He worked tirelessly to celebrate and improve care for his fellow veterans in all the years I knew him.

I am running for Governor to give back to the state that I love and the need for safe and affordable housing is an issue we’ve been highlighting and hearing so much about across Maine. While there are so many housing needs for families, workers and seniors, ensuring decent housing for our veterans is top priority.

Many dedicated people have worked to reduce homelessness among veterans and as Governor, I’d seek to END veteran homelessness in my first year in office. It’s wonderful to celebrate veterans today - but it’s more important we commit to honoring their service with the care and respect they deserve the rest of the year.

To every veteran, and to the families who stand beside them: thank you. Your strength, resilience, and dedication to service is greatly appreciated.

Hannah Pingree