Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following the statement in honor of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country:

"This Memorial Day, like every one before it, is set aside to honor the millions of brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country. The soldiers that we remember today didn't just climb Riva Ridge and take Mount Belvedere, or fight to break the chains of slavery, or defend our country from communism and fascism, or serve during the Gulf wars, or come to our nation's aid in times of disaster. They also deserve credit for shaping Colorado and our entire country as we know it today. And of course, they left behind families and friends who continue their legacy. We are forever in their debt, and we offer our unending gratitude to them and their loved ones they've left behind."