Our Nations Does Not Forget

OUR NATION DOES NOT FORGET

As the month of May comes to a close, many of us eagerly anticipate the summer and everything that it means for communities throughout Southwestern Ohio - parades, picnics, festivals, county fairs, summer vacations, baseball games and so much more.

But the end of May also marks one of the most significant days of the year, Memorial Day. Each year, this day gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we as Americans can wake up everyday to embrace the ideals of freedom and democracy. For many of us, this day is very personal as we mourn the loss of a family member, a friend, or a neighbor.

In our community and in others across the nation, we proudly display our patriotism by flying American flags, participating in local parades, or attending religious ceremonies. We honor those we've lost in battle not only in recent weeks and months, but also the many who lost their lives protecting our liberties over the generations. All are American heroes, and their sacrifices are not in vain.

That is why I was proud to recently support the Respect for Fallen Heroes Act, a measure to protect military families at funerals for servicemen and women who lost their lives in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Regardless of views on the war, I believe that few things are more sacred than burying loved ones with peace, dignity and respect.

You may recently have seen the news reports about the demonstrators who harass family and friends while they are grieving over a loved one lost in battle. The bill, which passed the House with overwhelming support, requires protestors to stay at least 500 feet away from mourners during a funeral service. I believe this measure sends a clear signal that there is no tolerance for those who choose to disrupt the heart wrenching act of burying a loved one.

As Americans, we also use Memorial Day to pay tribute not only to those who have died in battle, but also to those who are fighting for our freedom at this very moment. In the coming weeks and months, many of our military personnel serving abroad will be returning to our communities. I am committed to doing everything I can to support these brave young men and women as they resume civilian life, including providing help with job assistance, health care and veterans' benefits.

I was proud to recently support appropriations for Military Quality of Life, a bill that emphasizes health care and veterans' benefits. This bill provides a historic $25 billion for Veterans Medical Services which represents a 70 percent increase in total funding over the last 6 years.

Freedom is never free, and on this Memorial Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our brave men and women over the generations who have built this great nation.

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http://www.house.gov/list/press/oh02_schmidt/ournation.html