Newsletter: Happy Memorial Day 2015

Statement

Dear Friends,

On Monday, I will be at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery to help honor the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to our great country.

I've attended the Memorial Day ceremony each year since I took office in 2011. I consider it a solemn privilege to speak on behalf of everyone in the 1st Congressional District.

Words, of course, fail at such moments.

Even those as eloquent as President Ronald Reagan have recognized the difficulty. Said Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery in 1982: "I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country."

Knowing we fall short, we will remember the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers absent from the barbeques and picnics marking the start of summer.

We will ponder the unimaginable courage of those who volunteer to put themselves in harm's way.

We will honor their memory by striving to keep America strong and free.

And we will keep showing up, however feeble our words might be.

Of all my daily duties as a member of Congress the most important is advocating for constituents, particularly veterans. Since taking office, my staff and I have helped obtain over $3 million owed to veterans and their families.

I have had the honor of nominating young Idahoans to our military academies; watched service members swear to defend the Constitution against all enemies; presented long-delayed medals to deserving heroes; and attended funerals of the fallen. Those experiences reinforce my commitment to do everything possible to keep the nation's promises to those who serve.

As you enjoy your holiday weekend, please take a moment to reflect. Remember the sacrifice of those who make your leisure possible, who keep your family safe, and who remind us of the price of liberty.

Happy Memorial Day.

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