Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Honoring Our Veterans on Memorial Day

 

 

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement ahead of Memorial Day, this Monday, May 29, 2006:

"This Memorial Day, our country will come together to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and honor all those who wore the uniform and served our nation during times of both war and peace.

"This year, our nation is again at war. We pause and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We honor the deceased; welcome home and assist the able bodied and the injured; pray for a speedy return for our forces deployed overseas; and look forward to seeing families reunited after too much time apart.

"Since May 12, 2007, Florida has lost 31 troops in Afghanistan and 133 troops in Iraq. Over 23,700 of Florida’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coastguardsmen are deployed in these two theaters of war, and the numbers continue to rise. According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, the Florida National Guard has only 53 percent of the dual-use equipment it once had for responding to a storm or domestic disturbance. Resources and manpower needed in Florida for hurricane season are instead positioned in Iraq.

"The majority in Congress demands accountability from the White House and oversight of the Iraq War. We are placing our veterans first by supporting the largest increase in veterans’ health care in our nation’s history and by ensuring that our heroes in uniform receive the very best care when they return home. We will strengthen our military by improving military readiness standards and ending the backdoor draft that is hurting troop morale.

"On this Memorial Day, let’s all remember that caring for those who bear the brunt of war and are currently deployed overseas is our moral obligation, a solemn promise and responsibility that must not go unfulfilled."

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

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