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Luetkemeyer, Blaine


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Blaine's Bulletin: Memorial Day

Washington, May 27, 2016 -

Memorial Day is more than an extended weekend and a reason to fire up the grill and go to the pool, though those are fun activities. Memorial Day was created to honor those brave Americans who died while serving in our country’s military.

This day stands as a reminder that the freedoms that we, as Americans, sometimes take for granted have come at a great cost. And that cost is the loss of life. These American heroes stepped up and gave their lives on behalf of the rest of us. It is because of their love of our country and freedom that they answered the call to defend our nation.

As a nation, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of each May. But remembrance and paying respect for the men and women who lost their lives should be thought of each and every single day. We should always be grateful for their service and sacrifice.

I am also inspired by our nation’s veterans. One of my greatest honors is to welcome World War II veterans from across Missouri to their memorial in Washington – the World War II Memorial, as part of the Honor Flight program. As many of you know, volunteers from all over Missouri give up their time to escort World War II veterans to Washington for the day. The veterans take a plane ride from Missouri to Washington and when they get off the bus, a very moving moment happens. Strangers from across the United States come up to these veterans and offer their warmest thanks and shake their hands. More often than not, individuals form a pathway for these veterans and clap and cheer as they make their way to visit the memorial. Being there to experience this and thank, firsthand, these individuals is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

While we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, I ask that you join me in praying for the men and women currently serving our nation. Without our nation’s brave service members and veterans, both past and present, we would not have the rights and privileges that we take for granted each and every day. 

Lastly, I’d like to remind readers of this bulletin that my staff and I stand ready to assist service members, veterans, and military retirees and their families that are having problems with federal agencies including the VA, Department of Defense, and Office of Personnel Management. We have helped many constituents receive benefits to which they are entitled and military medals which they earned, but never received. Please contact my office in Jefferson City for more information regarding these constituent services.

May God continue to bless this great nation. Have a great holiday!