U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek to Participate in Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade and Service

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) will participate in the Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade and Service on Wednesday, November 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of 17th and Convention Center Drive and end with a wreath laying ceremony in the Flamingo Park Oval at Jefferson Avenue and 13th Street, where Congressman Meek will deliver brief remarks.

"Veterans Day is a time for us to honor our nation's defenders who have so dutifully answered the call to service," said Congressman Meek.

"Over the years, I have been fortunate to travel overseas to speak to so many of our deployed soldiers. I have been able to hear directly from them about how they feel about their mission and the job they've been asked to do. And, I can tell you that today's soldiers have readily taken that baton of service, courage and sacrifice." 

"On this Veterans Day, I would also like to offer my prayers and condolences to the families and friends of our brave service members in Fort Hood. It is heartbreaking that these brave soldiers, some just returning from the combat theatres and others preparing to deploy, were hurt and killed in what should have been a safe area. It is hard enough to send our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines into harm's way to face our nation's enemies, but it is much more difficult to have to mourn their loss here on our own soil. So today, while I am giving thanks for our country's veterans, I will keep in mind those 13 fallen and 42 wounded men and women."

"I know that there is never enough that we can do to repay our veterans for the service they have rendered to our country, but I am optimistic that we are making decisions that reflect gratitude and a proper recognition of all that they have done."

Congressman Meek's participation in the Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade and Service follows recent meetings he has held with retired military officials on providing opportunities for the promotion and advancement of minority members of the Armed Forces:

From Left: General Lester L. Lyles (U.S. Air Force, Retired), U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek, and General Julius Becton (USA, Retired) sat down on November 6, 2009, to discuss the Military Leadership Diversity Commission’s mission to provide opportunities for the promotion and advancement of minority members of the Armed Forces, including minority members who are senior officers.

From Left: General Julius Becton (USA, Retired), General Lester L. Lyles (U.S. Air Force, Retired), and U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek.

Congressman Meek presents Generals Lyles and Becton with his signature Congressional coins after a meeting with the two in his office to discuss the Military Leadership Diversity Commission’s mission to provide opportunities for the promotion and advancement of minority members of the Armed Forces, including minority members who are senior officers.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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