May 27, 2019

Chairman Takano Statement on Memorial Day 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano issued the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day 2019.

“This Memorial Day, we must take a moment to honor the sacrifice of all those who’ve served our country in war and in peace-- it is our moment to pay tribute to those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice and commit to remembering their stories.

“As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it’s my privilege to advocate for veterans and their families across the country. It is my job to ensure their service is never forgotten. But the time where a passing “Thank you for your service” was enough, has long passed. Today, we must commit to more because we owe our veterans more.

“A veterans’ sacrifice never expires-- their service to this country does not end when they separate from service, and it doesn’t end when they come back home. It lives on, even long after they’re gone. In the same way, our duty to care for our veterans does not end with their passing either. Instead, it comes with an evergreen responsibility to honor our fallen heroes’ legacies, to care for their surviving family members, and ensure all those that served our nation get the care, benefits, and recognition they’ve earned.

“As Americans we are proud of the service and sacrifice our veterans have made for our country— this Memorial Day, I’m proud to say we can match our pride with action. Over the past few weeks, the House has passed 10 bills to ensure veterans can get the benefits they’ve earned, to provide them with the resources they need to transition from active duty, and to address the national crisis of veteran suicide. Today, we must honor their legacy with action and never forget their service. May all of our fallen rest peacefully.”

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