Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Statement

Memorial Day in Maryland is filled with BBQs, beach trips, and the unofficial opening of boating season on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. It is a great time to spend with family and friends, and a kick off to the summer season. For us Marylanders we know Memorial Day means one more thing: long lines to cross the Bay Bridge. However, thanks to Governor Hogan lowering tolls, at least that trip won't hit your wallet so hard.

As we prepare for the Memorial Day weekend, however, I want to take a moment to honor the real reason behind the holiday: our veterans who gave their lives to defend this great nation. It is because of their sacrifice that we stand here today the greatest nation on earth. We owe our freedom, our way of life, and our successes to them. There is no way to truly thank them or their family and friends for their sacrifice -- it is too great a thing that a simple "thank you" doesn't begin to cover it. However, it is with my deepest appreciation and gratitude that I honor each and every one of them not only on Memorial Day, but every day.

Unfortunately, this Memorial Day marks another year in which we have failed those veterans who are still alive. The situation at the Department of Veterans Affairs does not appear to have gotten any better. Long wait times persist and VA Secretary McDonald's flippant comment comparing life-threatening wait times at the VA with waiting for a ride at Disneyland only underline the lackadaisical attitude at the agency.

As the daughter of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, I strongly believe we must honor the promises we have made to our men and women in uniform. But right now, the VA continues to fail them with mountains of red-tape, burdensome regulations, and wait times that threaten the health and even life of our veterans. It is a stain on our nation and must be resolved. That is why it is my hope to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee when I am elected to the Senate. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe -- the least we can do is honor the promises we made to them.

This Memorial Day as you enjoying your Maryland crab cake at the beach or on the Bay with your family, I encourage you to join me and honor and thank a veteran.

And thank you for your service dad! It is because of heroes like you that we enjoy the freedoms we have!

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