Happy Memorial Day, John.

I’m deeply honored and humbled to pay tribute on this Memorial Day weekend to the sacrifices of those Americans that have laid down their lives in service to this great nation.

As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, this weekend looks a little different than what we’re used to, but Memorial Day must never lose its meaning. There’s no higher calling than honoring the courage and bravery of our fallen heroes.

As the grandson of a World War II veteran who flew over the Pacific Rim, I’m deeply grateful for the service of American men and women around the world who dedicated their lives to keeping our country safe and free.

More than one million Americans have given their lives on battlefields seared into our history. And just this last February at Camp Pendleton, I had the great honor of attending the 75th Anniversary of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima. It was a reminder of so many places and times in which remarkable Americans have sacrificed so much for one other.

Before they went to war, these American heroes were first a son, or daughter, a spouse, a parent, a brother or sister, a neighbor, or a friend. Nothing replaces the anguish of losing someone so special but our fallen and our missing in action will never be forgotten by a profoundly grateful nation.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact all Americans, the need to continue to care for our veterans and their families remains a top priority of mine, and I’ll continue to work in a bipartisan way to provide that assistance.

We’re forever indebted to our veterans for their service.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

Mike