Congressman Fitzpatrick Salutes our Troops and Remembers America's Fallen Soldiers

Congressman Fitzpatrick Salutes our Troops and Remembers America's Fallen Soldiers

On this Memorial Day, Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick released the following statement to commemorate the service of the men and women in our armed forces:

"This weekend marks a solemn occasion when Americans across the nation dedicate their thoughts to the brave men and women in uniform who through the course of our history paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The United States stands proud and strong today because we have always been able to rely on our fellow Americans to put their lives on hold to take up arms against our enemies. That tradition of selfless service continues today and for that we must be ever grateful for their sacrifice."

On this Memorial Day, we turn our attention to the brave men and women who are engaged this very moment in the Global War on Terror. Our soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors and Coast Guardsmen are fighting nobly at home, securing our homeland, and abroad so that the scourge of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism does not reach our shores. This war will bring home a new generation of veterans, and unfortunately, more Americans who will be remembered on this day.

Last year I spent Memorial Day with our troops in Iraq. Today, they and their brothers in arms are in my thoughts and prayers. As long as our troops are in harms way, Congress must stand with them to provide all the support they need to accomplish their mission and return home with honor.

Leading up to the Memorial Day holiday, I was proud to have supported the "Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act," H.R. 5037, which puts restrictions on protests at military funerals at national cemeteries. Congress also passed the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2005 to provide for much-needed housing programs as well as life and health insurance changes for our veterans. These are but two of the many pieces of legislation that have been introduced and passed in this Congress to support our troops. There will be many more, and I will stand with our troops to see that they are passed."

http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=44463