Newsletter - Happy Memorial Day

Statement

For many, Memorial Day 2013 will be filled with barbeques, community parades, outdoor games, and relaxation with family and friends. But this holiday is much more than that. Memorial Day isn't just a long weekend and extra day off work; it is a day to remember the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country.

Memorial Day - originally called "Decoration Day" - was first celebrated in 1882 to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who had died in war or otherwise while serving our country. It was named Decoration Day, because the living would honor the dead by decorating their graves. This tradition endures, especially at military cemeteries like Arlington National Cemetery where an American flag is placed on every single grave in remembrance of those who made the greatest possible sacrifice.

I believe our men and women in uniform represent the best our nation has to offer, and North Carolina is fortunate to be called home by thousands of veterans. Caring for these heroes and their families is one of the most important things we can do. Our brave soldiers made a promise to defend our country from enemies, and we must ensure that we keep every promise made to them for their service. We must never take their service for granted, and as your Congressman, I will always advocate on behalf our veterans and their families. As George Washington so eloquently stated, willingness to serve in the armed forces in the future is directly related to the treatment and quality of care that veterans receive today.

As a new generation of veterans return from over a decade of war, it is my priority to ensure they are provided the care promised to them for their physical and psychological wounds, and also that they are provided the skills needed once they return to civilian life. In many cases, this means restructuring the existing facilities and practices to focus on the medical issues that veterans face today. Years of warfare have exposed soldiers and doctors to vastly changed injuries including PTSD and traumatic brain injury that can affect the lives of our soldiers for years. This makes it all the more critical for our government to prioritize spending so that we are able to keep our promises to those who have served. We must work to solve our fiscal crisis without sacrificing the safety of our nation or the great men and women who have fought to defend it.

One of the most pressing issues facing our veterans today is their inability to gain access to the financial resources available to them. I understand that the bureaucracy of federal agencies can be perplexing and leave veterans discouraged, but my Congressional office stands ready to help veterans navigate through the process. If you or someone you know needs assistance please contact my office in Concord at (704) 786-1612 or my office in Rockingham at (910) 997-2070.

This Memorial Day, let's honor those who have sacrificed everything, so that we can live in freedom. To the members of the United States Armed Services, past and present, thank you for your service.

Until next week,

Richard Hudson
Member of Congress (NC-08)

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