John,

 

This morning, I attended the Memorial Day ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery. It was like none other in years past. It was tough not seeing the veterans service organizations, Gold Star families, band, singing, rifle salute, or several hundred patriotic Long Islanders in attendance. 

Nonetheless, I was honored to participate in the modified and smaller, but still beautiful, ceremony to pay our respects to our fallen warriors buried at Calverton. As I depart for my next Memorial Day service, we are all reminded to remember today and every day the courageous men and women who paid the ultimate price protecting our country as well as their family and friends who suffered so much with the loss of their loved one. 

 

Let's join together to remember the sacrifice paid by the few on behalf of the many. Freedom isn't free and with the greatest cost came the right we all now hold dear to live in the most exceptional nation ever.

 

Memorial Day is about honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our great nation. We are truly grateful for their exceptional service and sacrifice and our nation mourns the loss of these selfless Americans. 

 

Thank you, 

Lee Zeldin