John,

On Memorial Day, we take time to honor those who have answered the call to service and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms and rights that all of us enjoy.

I find myself feeling solemn as I think about the thousands of people in our armed services who have fallen, both in the line of duty and as victims of suicide, and a system that failed to support them when they got home.

I am reminded that on days like today, it is not enough to simply remember.

We must make a commitment to do more for the brave people who risk their lives in service of our country and freedom, and we must do more for the families of those who serve, to build long-term support systems that will aid them and their families while they are with us and when the unthinkable happens.

Only by doing that work can we truly honor the memories of all who have fallen after answering the call to service.

In solidarity,

Shannon Liss-Riordan