Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Honoring Our Veterans on Memorial Day

Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement ahead of Memorial Day, this Monday, May 25, 2009:

"This Memorial Day, our country will come together to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. While we can never fully say thank you to our veterans and honor the memory of those who served, we can always try and days like Memorial Day serve as a reminder that within all of our communities, we are surrounded by brave individuals who have fought for our freedom.

“This year, our nation is still at war. We pause and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. My effort is focused on working with our military commanders and allies from NATO to defeat the Taliban and their allies in Afghanistan to bring about a lasting peace for the people of that war ravaged nation.

“I also pause to honor the memory of my uncle, King George Pittman, a Purple Heart recipient who fought in World War Two and in the Korean War and is now buried at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for our men and women of valor.

“Veterans know that my door is always open to them and whether it be the Military Order of the Purple Heart from Daytona Beach, or the Jewish War Veterans from throughout Florida, they have a friend in the U.S. Congress.

“On this Memorial Day, let’s all remember that caring for those who bear the brunt of war and are currently deployed overseas is our moral obligation.”