May 27, 2008

SAN DIMAS, CA - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) participated in a number of local events observing Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th including the La Canada Flintridge Parade, the San Marino Program at Lacy Park, the Sierra Madre Program at the Sierra Madre Cemetery and the Montclair Program at City Hall.

He delivered the following remarks to honor those who have fought and died in service of our country:

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance.  And hopefully, it is a day of reconciliation.  It is a day to put aside our differences, put aside politics, and honor those who have sacrificed so much throughout our history in defense of our nation.  We especially think of those of the Greatest Generation – the men and women who fought and died, who kept the country going during a time of great crisis, and who returned home to build a modern nation.  We will be forever indebted for their great service and great achievements. 

Today many are recognizing a “new greatest generation” – the hundreds of thousands of young men and women who are rising to the new challenges of the 21st century.  Like their parents, grandparents and great grandparents, they want to serve.  But they are fighting to defend our nation against new kinds of threats – enemies that know no borders or laws, wear no uniforms, and have no regard for the innocent.  The battles of this century are already posing new challenges that demand tremendous ingenuity and innovation – demands that fall upon this new generation. 

What’s more, we are calling on our armed forces to take on far more than purely military operations.  They conduct patrols of dangerous neighborhoods, working with local populations to restore law and order.  They help to rebuild civil society and strengthen good governance in previously violent communities.  They are often the first on the ground after devastating natural disasters, delivering essential aid and helping to keep the peace amid the chaos. 

Through their dedication in these disparate efforts, they are protecting and preserving our nation and our interests.  And in many parts of the world, they are the face of America.  These are weighty responsibilities, and we know they are resting on very capable shoulders.  They don’t do it for the glory, but of course that just makes them all the more deserving of our praise and admiration. 

As we honor them for their devotion and their sacrifice, we must remember the challenges that are often hidden from view.  For every deployed soldier, sailor, airman, Guardsman and Marine, there is a family waiting at home.  The husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers don’t get medals, but they deserve them.  They keep the family going while their loved one is a way.  When the ultimate sacrifice is made, they suffer a tragic and terrible loss.  And when their loved ones are injured, they suffer right along with them. 

I have visited the war wounded at Bethesda Medical Center and Walter Reed, and they are always surrounded by their families, helping them along the difficult road to recovery.  These families are often the forgotten war heroes.  So today, as we honor those who have fought and those who are currently in harm’s way, we must take the time to honor the people who support and care for them every day. 

In particular, I’d like to recognize the tremendous work of Patti Patton-Bader, the Pasadena mother of two soldiers and grand-niece of General Patton.  Many of us are familiar with her story.  When her oldest son deployed to Iraq in 2003, she began sending him daily care packages.  And when he told her that many of his fellow soldiers didn’t have the same support, she organized family and friends to send letters and packages.  Her efforts quickly grew into Soldiers Angels, a non-profit organization with a major Internet community of thousands of Angels worldwide. 

Grassroots organizations like these are helping to ensure that our men and women deployed all over the globe are receiving the support they need.  And individuals like Patti Patton-Bader are demonstrating that we all can contribute in a very powerful and positive way.  We should all express our gratitude to her and others who do so much in support of our troops.

What we say to honor those who serve will never be more than lip service if we don’t ensure that our veterans are cared for when they return home.  We can never repay them for their service, but we can and must honor them with the care and resources they deserve. 

As we gather and celebrate this Memorial Day, as we spend time with our families, friends and neighbors, let’s all devote our thoughts and prayers to those who are away, those who are without their loved ones, those who have served, and those who gave their lives for this country.  We can never fully convey the gratitude we feel or the honor they deserve.  But we can commemorate their service, and pledge to never forget their sacrifice.