Friends,

Five years ago, Gold Star mother and VoteVets Military Families Liaison Karen Meredith invited me to visit her son, First Lieutenant Ken Ballard, in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery, where veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are laid to rest. It was a profound moment for me — I hadn’t found the courage to visit Section 60 yet — and I am eternally grateful to Karen for inviting me to take part in a special tradition for her and her family.

I’ve also had the privilege of visiting Arlington with VoteVets Sr. Advisor Major General Paul Eaton over the years, whose father was killed in Vietnam and is buried there. I always cherish these moments of quiet contemplation and appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate price defending and protecting our values.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the tradition of visiting Arlington will not be possible for Karen, General Eaton, or many other military families who usually make the trip every year to honor our fallen — so we’re creating a new tradition for all of us, and we hope you can join.

RSVP below to save your spot for a special Memorial Day service with General Paul Eaton and Gold Star mother and VoteVets Military Families Liaison Karen Meredith, led by VoteVets Government Relations Director Will Goodwin.

RSVP

While it will be difficult to forgo our usual traditions on this meaningful day for so many of us, I’m heartened that we can turn to our own community to honor the sacrifice of the fallen in our own way. I hope you’ll join us.

Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets