Each year I take part in Boulder City’s Memorial Day Ceremony to pay tribute to our heroes. There are more than 230,000 veterans living throughout Nevada, and they took extraordinary steps to keep our nation safe and secure. On Memorial Day, I spoke to the memory of two courageous Nevadans, laid to rest at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, that lost their lives while serving their country this year-Marine Corporal Jon-Luke Bateman and Army Specialist Dennis James Jr. We must never forget their sacrifice, and I will continue to fight so all Nevada veterans are taken care of after they serve.

We made a promise to every veteran of America’s Armed Forces and to the families of those who didn’t live long enough to become veterans. Residents of Boulder City understand the importance of looking after our nation’s heroes. The Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City services approximately 175 veterans and their spouses, and the facility has garnered an excellent reputation for long-term care. As American troops withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan, the veteran community in Nevada, and across the U.S., will grow and diversify. Veterans facilities like the Nevada State Veterans Home and others must be prepared to look after military members returning home, and be ready to welcome those looking to make their homes in Nevada.

The completion of the new Las Vegas Veterans Hospital and Community Living Center is scheduled to open later this year, and that facility in particular will give Southern Nevada greater ability to care for veterans. I worked to secure more than $600M for this project since 2005. When all phases of construction are complete, the new medical center will consist of 90 inpatient beds, a 120 bed Nursing Home Care Unit, an Ambulatory Care Center and Veterans Benefits offices. Veterans will need to be able to access these critical services and I have also supported the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada’s efforts to provide an enhanced transportation network for veterans travelling to and from the new hospital and other medical facilities.

Just as Nevada’s veterans served to defend our nation, I too will continue my work to make sure they are looked after for the long term.

Contact Harry Reid at http://reid.senate.gov/