Dear Friend,

As we celebrate Memorial Day I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the Armed Forces.

As the Navy Seals’ successful apprehension of Osama bin Laden conveyed on May 1st, our people have the bravery, dedication and skill to accomplish even the most difficult and dangerous missions. These men and women continually put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect our freedom and the ideals on which our country was founded. They do so while serving with dignity, selflessness and honor around the world.

On Memorial Day and throughout the rest of the year, it is important that we remember the sacrifices they have made, and extend to them the same level of dedication which they have shown us.

We must continue to ask ourselves if we’re treating our service men and women in accordance with the values and freedoms they risk their lives to defend. For far too long, many have had to live a lie while serving our country. It’s only very recently that these men and women finally have the freedom to serve openly and with dignity, no matter what their sexual orientation.

Returning soldiers have long received inadequate services from our government. We must all continue to focus on ensuring veterans receive everything they deserve for their dedication and sacrifice on our behalf. This includes a fully-funded VA system and benefits that ensure veterans’ access to quality health care and a good education, so that upon their return, they too can partake in the American Dream.
 
Throughout Memorial Day weekend, I have offered my personal thanks to some of our service men and women at events in Dearborn, Inkster, Sumpter, Ypsilanti and Monroe. I encourage you to join me in showing appreciation for our service men and women and our veterans, as we enjoy the many freedoms they have secured and protected for us and for future generations of Americans.

With every good wish,
 
Sincerely,
 
John D. Dingell