Chairman's Statement On Memorial Day

Statement No. 2004-03

This weekend, most of us are thinking about friends and loved ones we knew who served our country. One of my grandfathers was a Sea Bee (Naval Construction Battalion) in World War II and served on Okinawa as well as a number of other places. The other, who couldn't serve on the front lines due to health reasons, worked a desk job for the Army Corps Of Engineers during the war. Both served their country with honor, as did many of our fathers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers and brothers and sisters.

This weekend, as we think about those who have served, I am reminded of the three young Operation Iraqi Freedom vets who visited our County Convention in March. They put their lives on the line to serve our country in a very real way, and it is time our government supports all of our vets.

Under the Bush administration, we've seen tremendous cuts in VA medical services. Many in our military make such a low salary that their income makes them eligible for food stamps. This is no way to treat the men and women who put their lives on the line for us. Regardless of anyone's position on the war, we must support our troops (And vets). Supporting our men and women in uniform isn't the same thing as supporting a war. You can be against the war in Iraq and still support our troops.

This memorial day, think about which party and candidates you believe best support our troops and veterans. I think, when you look closely, the answer is clear.