MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                        CONTACT: John Donnelly
May 28, 2010                                                                                          (317) 848-0201

Burton Statement On Memorial Day Weekend

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Burton issued the following statement for this year's Memorial Day weekend in honor of American military personnel serving around the world, our veterans, and our nation's fallen heroes:

"During a time of war, I believe people more fully understand the sacrifices of our brave Americans who volunteer to defend this nation.  The last decade has been marked by the men and women who took the fight to the terrorists and have kept them on the run since September 11, 2001. 

"As we begin this year's Memorial Day weekend, I reflect on some news in the last year concerning the sacrifices of our soldiers in the war on terrorism.  Many of us recall the three Navy SEALs who faced prosecution after capturing a most-wanted al-Qaeda leader.  Just weeks ago, all three SEALs prevailed in the courtroom, as they had on the field of battle, and were exonerated of all charges.  I was proud to see hundreds of thousands of Americans loudly support those SEALs, and we all continue to be grateful for their service.

"Another issue strikes as close to the heart as it does to home.  A fellow Hoosier, Chancellor Keesling, died in Iraq by suicide last summer.  It was his second tour of duty in Iraq, and the pressures on him were enormous.  His service and sacrifice, and that of his family, should be honored like any other solider, but a longstanding White House policy prohibited the President from sending Chancellor's parents a letter of condolence.  Yesterday, the House of Representatives stood up for the Keesling's and unanimously passed a message to President Obama: overturn that policy and equally honor all military families and the sacrifices of their sons and daughters.

"As we attend various events and ceremonies this weekend, I hope everyone remembers that, for some, everyday is Memorial Day.  We have families in our Hoosier communities who struggle everyday as they miss a loved one who gave their life in the line of duty.  So I ask my friends and neighbors in Indiana, after you return home from your weekend activities, continue to embrace and support the families of those who gave all.

"Since last Memorial Day, the following Hoosiers perished in the service of our nation:

Keesling, Chancellor, 25, Army 6/19/2009

Griffin, Dale, 29, Army 10/27/2009
 
DeCrow, Justin, 32, Army 1/5/2009

Bowman, Brian, Army 1/4/2010

McQueary, Jeremy, 27, Marines 2/10/2010

Birchfield, Joshua, 24, Marines 2/19/2010

Stultz, Gregory, 22, Marines 2/19/2010

Barrett, Brandon, 27, Marines 5/5/2010

"My thoughts and prayers remain with these heroes and their families, and I speak for the Hoosiers I represent when I say, thank you for serving our nation and protecting our heritage of freedom."

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