WRIGHTSTOWN, N.J. – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Congressman-elect Tom MacArthur commemorated Veterans Day by visiting New Jersey’s largest military base, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“Today we honor the brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” said Sen. Booker. “They put country above self – accepting posts in the farthest, most dangerous corners of the world – and they deserve this nation’s unwavering gratitude and support. We are all deeply indebted to our heroes in uniform and it’s our obligation to take care of them when they come home. From medical services to job training programs, we must ensure veterans have access to the resources they need to successfully rejoin their families and society after service abroad. I hope that today each and every American takes time to salute the military heroes in their lives and in their communities.”

The senators and Congressman-elect toured the joint base, which is the state’s second-largest employer with 38,000 employees and a nearly $7 billion economic impact, and met with leadership. Their visit concluded as the three served lunch to active and retired military service members at Halvorsen Hall Dining Facility.

“It is an honor and a privilege to give tribute to all of the active duty men and women here today, and to all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country,” said State Senate President Sweeney. “Today, we honor all of our brave heroes who protect us, preserve our freedom and ensure our way of life as well as remember all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

“I was pleased to join Sen. Booker and Senate President Sweeney at the Joint Base to visit with our brave military men and women on Veterans Day, and to reflect on the amazing sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis,” said Congressman-elect MacArthur. “I would like to thank Col. Hodges for his time this afternoon and remain grateful for his leadership and service. Sen. Booker, Senate President Sweeney and I all understand that the Joint Base is a powerful economic engine for this region and is integral to our nation’s military preparedness. I look forward to working with both of them – and others in both parties – to secure its future of Joint Base and protect the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on it.”