Hi John,

 

This weekend, Memorial Day gatherings commemorated lives lost in battle. While BBQs and baseball games took center stage, we mustn’t only reflect on who these people were but what they stood for.

 

I’m fortunate never to have lost a relative in battle, but my father was in the Coast Guard, one grandfather was in the Navy, the other in the Army, and on my desk is an engraved 37mm shell that was presented to my great-grandfather, an Army enlistee on August 22, 1918.

 

Image of a hand holding a 37mm shell in front of a wall with signs that say “My Body, My Choice, My Vote,” “It’s a damn good day to give a damn,” and “Give Em Hell.

Each of them was fortunate to come home and continue to pass on the values that called them to serve our country, and for that, I am forever grateful.
 
They were young men when they entered the military, and while I know that they served with pride, the outcomes of the wars in which they served are varied. We look back at WWI and WWII, and history tells of American virtue and that the good guys won.
 
Vietnam and several other wars were far less noble, and in hindsight, we know they were misguided, and some even based on lies. 
 
That doesn’t make our heroes any less heroic. It doesn’t make our ancestors any less brave or their deaths less painful for their loved ones. But, it does require that we reflect on who we choose to lead us.
 
There is no greater responsibility for a Congressperson than to vote on whether or not to send troops into battle. It is such a great responsibility that the President can’t take that action without Congressional approval.
 
That’s what I reflected on this Memorial Day.
 
The leaders we choose determine who is put in life-threatening danger and who is not. When I think about what it means to make that decision; the deliberation, the empathy, the historical relevance, I take great pride that I am in consideration for that role. After a day of reflection, I am writing this as midnight approaches.
 
Those who have been lost and the families that grieved their passing deserve for us to do everything we can to preserve the Democracy that they gave their lives to protect.
 
There is no doubt that our country is imperfect. Now, more than at any time in my life, that is as clear as day. But, countless numbers of us are descendants of heroes who stepped up -- and knowing that gives me hope.
 
We are a nation of people who dream of a better future. 
 
Often, we disagree on what that future should look like and how to create it. But, if we honor those who came before us, particularly those who sacrificed on our behalf by taking action, we can come together to inspire a future generation. Then maybe, just maybe, they’ll look back on how we stood up for their future and honor us as well.

 

Image of Spencer Toder holding his son Avery. They are both facing away from the camera and standing infront of a pond and thousands of American flags honoring veterans at a memorial. There is a fountain in the middle of the pond, and a building in the background. Avery is pointing at the flags curiously.

 

Thank you again for the honor of running to represent you.
 
My greatest hope is that you instill in me the responsibility to ensure that our loved ones and future generations are kept safe.
 
The values of my heroes run deeply through my veins, and I promise you that I will always do everything I can to protect America, our democracy, and our loved ones.
 
In Solidarity,


Spencer

 

Spencer Toder is a lifelong Missourian who is dedicated to making sure the voices of all Missourians are heard, prioritizing people above politics. Spencer believes in accountability and transparency, investing in our future, and a government that works for all of us.

 

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