Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Celebrates Memorial Day

(WASHINGTON, DC)– Congressman Gregory W. Meeks issues the following statement in honor of Memorial Day:

"This Monday, our nation observes Memorial Day. Although many Americans will utilize the holiday weekend for family get-togethers, picnics, backyard barbecues, and the like, I hope every American will at least pause to honor the generations of extraordinarily courageous men and women going all the way back to our nation’s founding who lost their lives defending America.

It is particularly important that we keep in mind that today we are a nation at war. We are a nation, in fact, engaged in two wars — Iraq and Afghanistan. Our soldiers, sailors, flyers, and marines are doing battle with al Qaeda and its affiliated terrorist networks. We have lost nearly 5,000 of our bravest in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Afghanistan.

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security, as families grieve over the fallen, let us send our thoughts and prayers to all of our men and women in uniform who remain steadfast on the field of battle. Should any family have an opportunity this Memorial Day to speak with a loved one in a combat zone, please let them know that neither this Congress nor this President will ever let them down.

We are committed to assuring that they have all the equipment, arms, and support they need to successfully carry out their missions. We are likewise committed to providing our veterans with the benefits and help they need when they return home.

The post-9/11 G.I. bill, which went into effect in August 2009, provided $1.2 billion in education benefits to veteran students, including members of the National Guard and Army Reserve. These benefits have been expanded to children of fallen troops. More help is on the way. The House of Representatives just passed a Defense Authorization bill that makes significant new investments in the safety of our troops overseas, in their families back here at home, and in education and health care for veterans after their service is completed.

Let this Memorial Day remind us of the sacrifices of our military personnel and renew our common commitment as a nation to support and care for all of those who put their lives on the line everyday in faraway places defending the United States of America."