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As a 24-year Army veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices servicemembers and their families have endured. With Americans gathering with family and friends to celebrate Memorial Day, let us always remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom and way of life.
From the beaches of Normandy to the trenches of Europe to the battles of the Pacific, so many gave their lives to finish the mission. Through sleet, heat, snow, wind, and rain, our brave men and women in uniform always rush into harm’s way to ensure we can sleep peacefully at night.
On this Memorial Day, we are soberly reminded of the threats we face from all corners of the globe. Representing Southeast Iowa in Congress, I will always fight for our Armed Services to have the tools to outsmart and overpower our enemies—we should strive for excellence in training, armaments and technology.
Our commitment to our men and women in uniform cannot end while they serve - our veterans need our help too.
Roughly 17 veterans every day lose their life to suicide. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, improving the quality of life and accessibility of care for veterans is a top priority for me in Washington; that is why I introduced the Veteran Care Improvement Act, legislation to improve and expand VA health services. Most notably, the Veteran Care Improvement Act will incentivize partnerships between the VA and community providers and ensure our veterans are receiving the care they deserve.
While we associate Memorial Day with our Armed Forces, Old Glory, and barbecues, you may not know its history. First widely observed in 1868 to recognize Civil War soldiers, the holiday was originally known as Decoration Day. For a century thereafter, states started recognizing Memorial Day as a legal holiday. Congress ultimately approved the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which in 1971 permanently established Memorial Day to be the last Monday in May.
From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam, let us always cherish our God-given freedoms in our beautiful nation. May God bless our service members. May God bless Iowa. And may God always bless these United States of America.
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