Jim Zeigler: The meaning of Memorial Day
A three-day holiday weekend. Barbecues, lakes, beaches. The unofficial start of summer. But let us not forget the real meaning of Memorial Day. In 1868, Decoration Day was established as a time for the country to decorate with flowers the graves of fallen soldiers in the War Between the States. After World War I, Decoration Day was changed to remember all soldiers who lost their lives in war. On May 11, 1950, Decoration Day became Memorial Day, and in 1971, President Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday and set it on the last Monday in May. We need to be mindful of the ultimate sacrifice brave men and women made as they served our country. Since 2000, Americans have been asked to join in a moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day Monday. This time of reflection offers us the opportunity to pause and think seriously about how the American way of life is made possible by those who died serving their country. John McCrae’s famous poem “In Flanders Fields” reminds us that the torch of freedom is passed to us from those who died in service. We are “to hold it high.” Going forth, let us do exactly that as we remember the great cost of freedom and those who paid with their lives for us to enjoy our freedoms. Jim Zeigler has been the state auditor for Alabama since 2015.
Martha Roby: The importance of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time for all of us to pause and remember the courageous Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend this great nation.
Martha Roby: The meaning of Memorial Day
Every year, on the last Monday in May, our country takes a collective pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. Memorial Day isn’t simply a day off work, and it is much more significant than just marking the unofficial start of summer. This special holiday is intended to be a day set aside for us to stop and acknowledge those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.There are many ways to honor our fallen heroes, whether by visiting a national memorial to pay respects, attending a Memorial Day parade or other event in your community, or supporting organizations that aid our wounded soldiers. It is also very important to remember that this day is especially somber for the many families who lost loved ones in the line of duty. Another special way to pay tribute to fallen soldiers around Memorial Day is to acknowledge the active duty servicemembers and veterans all around us. Our district is home to two of our nation’s finest military installations, thousands of active duty and reserve personnel, and nearly 16,000 military retirees and veterans. It is because of their sacrifices, and those of the many men and women who gave their lives in service to this country, that we are free today. In the spirit of this important day of remembrance, I encourage you to make a point to thank a veteran, current servicemember, or a fallen soldier’s family members for their dedication and sacrifices. While we set aside one day specifically to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, our veterans, servicemembers, and military families are always at the forefront of my mind, and advocating for improved veterans’ services is one of my top priorities in Congress. If we are to truly honor and respect the sacrifice made by those who gave their lives for this country, it is imperative that we properly care for the veterans and military families right here in our communities. It is no secret that much work remains on this front here in Central Alabama, but I will remain actively engaged until we get this right by our veterans. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces – those who gave their lives in service to our country, the veterans who are still with us today and those who have passed, and the brave men and women who are currently wearing the uniform. In Congress, I know that one of my most pressing responsibilities is to honor these sacrifices by fighting to improve veterans’ care, and I remain committed to that duty on your behalf. In the spirit of Memorial Day, I extend my sincerest gratitude and condolences to all families who lost a loved one in the line of duty. My family and I mourn with you during this time especially. To all those who have served or who are currently serving, thank you. America shines as the Land of the Free because of you and the brave men and women who carried the torch before you. May we always remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Your 2018 guide to Memorial Day weekend events happening across Alabama
On Memorial Day, May 28, Americans will honor and remember all of those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In recognition of the holiday’s rich history, Alabama Today put together a list of Memorial Day weekend events occurring across the state: Alexander City RXR Festival in Alexander City When: Friday May 25- Sunday May 27, starting at 6 p.m. nightly Where: The Town Green at Russell Crossroads Price: Free Attendees can enjoy local and regional musical acts. Cooler, kids, chair or blanket, pup (on a leash please) are all welcome. Andalusia Memorial Day Ceremony When: Monday, May 28 at 10 a.m. Where: Held at the Covington Veterans Memorial behind Andalusia City Hall Price: Free Birmingham Family Fun Friday When: May 25 at 6 p.m. Where: Railroad Park Price: Free Get the entire family on track to better health with this fun hour of low to high impact activity designed to promote exercise for all ages. Families are invited to enjoy team activities like kickball, soccer or wiffle ball. Brilliant CoalFest When: Friday, May 25 – Saturday, May 26 Where: Various locations throughout downtown Price: Free Live bands, food, arts and crafts, clogging, children attractions and state checkers champions plays local politicians, much more. Gulf Shores LuLu Palooza in Gulf Shores When: Saturday, May 26 from 12 noon – 10 p.m. Where: Outdoor boat stage at the Homeport Marina Price: Free Enjoy all-day live music. Living History Memorial Day Tribute When: Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Fort Morgan State Historic Site Price: See website (varies depending on age) Living History staff will be dressed in uniforms from various periods of Fort Morgan’s occupation. Demonstrations will interpret and remember the lives of those who served at Fort Morgan. Huntsville Concerts on the Dock When: May 25 at 6p.m. Where: East Dock: Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr. Price: Free, $5 parking Performances by Bobby Blount (fun melodic, hooky rock ‘n’ roll), Kirsta Channell (soulful, jazzy folk), Jim Cavendar (blusey and dark on bass) and others guarantee a diverse sample of Huntsville’s incredible music scene— from jazz to rock to soulful ballads— all on one stage for an incredible variety of homegrown talent with something for everyone. Montgomery Montgomery Symphony Jubilee Pops Concert When: Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. Where: On the lawn of the Alabama Archives and History Building across from the State Capitol Price: Free Orange Beach Pepsi Beach Ball Drop When: Friday, May 25 at 5 p.m. Where: The Wharf: 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach Price: Free The Wharf will celebrate the start of the summer with a concert by country star Craig Campbell, live entertainment, children’s activities, and rides. 5,000 beach balls will be released. Admission is free. Missing an event? Let us know at info@altoday.com. More events to be added as they come in.
Memorial Day messages from the Alabama delegation
Today America honors the service of our men and women in uniform and memorializes those who died to secure our safety, security and freedom. We honor and mourn those, who generation after generation, coming from every corner of our great Nation, have shed their blood in this country and in foreign lands across the globe so that we may have our liberty still today. Here are some Memorial Day messages from elected officials in Alabama: U.S. Sen. Luther Strange: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Memorial Day serves as a day to remember those brave men and women in uniform who served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Our heartfelt prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones as we honor their sacrifice today and every day. God Bless the United States of America. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: On this Memorial Day, we once again recognize and pay tribute to the incredible dedication and bravery of men and women who chose to defend our country, and in doing so, gave their lives in order to uphold the freedoms we all enjoy. We as Americans owe our continued liberty and independence to these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. As festivities commence this Memorial Day, it is important that we remember how extraordinary our Armed Forces are in maintaining our great democracy. Let us also never forget the families that mourn the loss of loved ones and those who have returned home yet face ongoing challenges. Even as war continues around the globe, those who fight on our behalf and those who support them back home, make the American dream a closer reality with every passing day. It is because of these selfless sacrifices that our veterans and their families should always be a priority and the benefits they have rightly earned should never be in question. Their commitment to upholding our freedoms requires that we do no less for them. As we assemble for backyard cookouts and family gatherings, let us remember that our democracy and the freedoms we share are not republican or democratic issues, they are not conservative or liberal ones, they are uniquely American values. For that reason, we should all be proud!
Alabama Memorial Day messages
Today, families across Alabama and the country pause to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our safety, security and freedom. We honor and mourn those, who generation after generation, coming from every corner of our great Nation, have shed their blood in this country and in foreign lands across the globe so that we may have our liberty still today. On this Memorial Day we honor and remember the fallen – these selfless and heroic men and women. Here are some Memorial Day messages from elected officials in Alabama: Governor Robert Bentley: Today we honor the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey: Today and everyday, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. #MemorialDay2016 Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Remembering those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Alabama 1st District Rep. Bradley Byrne: Freedom is not – and has never been – free. May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom, and may we each work every day to uphold the very freedoms they fought so hard to protect. God bless those who serve our great nation! Alabama 2nd District Rep. Martha Roby: When we remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives fighting for this country, it is impossible not to feel a deep, humbling sense of gratitude for a debt we cannot pay. I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on those brave men and women and the sacrifices they made to keep this nation free. Please also take time to share what this day means with children so that they may grow up understanding that gratitude and that debt we owe. Blessings to you and your family this #MemorialDay. Alabama 4th District Rep. Robert Aderholt: This Memorial Day Weekend I hope that you will take time to remember the true cost of our freedom. The men featured in this video are all from the 4th Congressional District and are listed by the Department of Defense as being killed in action since the September 11th attacks in 2001. This is the true sacrifice that keeps us free. We can’t and we won’t forget them or the others who have died serving our country since 1776. Alabama 5th District Rep. Mo Brooks: Proclaimed on May 5, 1868, Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on our nation’s history and on the great sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. military to protect and defend our way of life. This weekend, I encourage every American to observe in your own way a moment of remembrance for those who have given their lives in service to our great nation. Alabama 6th District Rep. Gary Palmer: As has been said, we cannot expect to be the land of the free unless we are the home of the brave. Our veterans will not be forgotten. Alabama 7th District Rep. Terri Sewell: As we prepare for cook-outs and family gatherings, we must stop and recognize that Memorial Day is so much more than a three-day weekend – especially to the families and friends who still mourn for the love ones lost in battle and those who have returned home, but still face challenges ahead. We must never forget these patriotic individuals who swore an oath to defend this nation. Their sacrifices live on through the freedoms they fought to secure for all of us. So too must we stay vigilant in the fight to ensure that all citizens are able to enjoy the rights and protections our country was founded on.
Bradley Byrne: Freedom isn’t free
“Here we mark the price of freedom.” Those are the words engraved on the Freedom Wall at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Freedom Wall includes 4,048 gold stars, and each star represents 100 American military deaths during the Second World War. I recently took time to visit the memorial and pay my respects to those who served our country and the ones who ultimately lost their lives in defense of the freedoms we all hold dear. The monument is especially powerful for me because many members of my family played a role in the war. My dad served in the Army as U.S. forces island-hopped throughout the Pacific. My uncle, Pat Byrne, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he sustained serious injuries. He went on to earn the Purple Heart for his service. Another uncle, Jack Langsdale, actually lost his life while serving in the Merchant Marines after his ship was sunk by a German U-boat. These are just the stories from my family. I know every family has their own stories of service and sacrifice from the Greatest Generation and other conflicts, including the ongoing War on Terror. In Washington, I fight every day to ensure we are giving our current service members the tools they need to defend our country. The military has seen cuts in recent years that have taken a real toll on our military equipment and resources. This, in turn, has put many service members at greater risk. So, with Memorial Day approaching, the House recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation sets policy and authorizes spending for our military. The bill orders a pay raise for our troops while also providing proper oversight of the Pentagon. One of the best ways to avoid major conflict and prevent putting more Americans in harm’s way is to project American strength around the world. In order to do that, we need a strong and fully capable military. This year’s NDAA would get us headed in the right direction by making serious investments in our military readiness. I was proud to support the bill as we work to rebuild our military. I always hear a lot about the need to keep our military strong, and I recently heard the same plea from veterans at the Armed Forces Day event at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. This event was especially powerful because the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was on display, and many of our local Vietnam veterans were seeing the wall for the first time. One veteran broke down in tears upon seeing the name of one of his former comrades. His tears spoke to the pain of war, but also to the camaraderie that is shared amongst our service members. It was an incredibly powerful moment, and only reaffirmed my commitment to standing up for our veterans and active-duty service members. This Memorial Day, I hope you took time to reflect on the stories of service and sacrifice that helped make our country great. Hopefully you were able to pay special respects to the men and women who ultimately lost their life in defense of freedom. Freedom is not, and has never been, free. That is the message in each of those stars on the World War II Memorial, in each of those names on the Vietnam Wall, and on each tombstone at Arlington National Cemetery. May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and may we each work every day to uphold the freedoms they fought so hard to protect. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Gary Palmer: Always remember
A single moment can change a person’s views on the world and the people around them. April 28, 2010, did that to me. On that day, in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Thomas Rivers, Jr. gave his last full measure of devotion. Rivers was a team leader with 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment. As he did every morning, LCpl. Rivers’ father, Tom, finished his morning Bible study and had prayed for Thomas. Just after 7am, he was in the kitchen making coffee when he heard the sound of a car door shut in front of his home. When he looked out, he saw three Marines walking to his front door. Both Tom and his wife Charon knew what the Marines’ visit meant. It meant another sacrifice had been made by another American soldier. LCpl. Rivers wasn’t the only one who made a sacrifice; his family had placed a precious gift on the bloodstained altar of freedom. This time, it was their son. LCpl. Rivers died of injuries sustained from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He was on the mission that day because a Marine in his company who had just gotten engaged had been up late celebrating with his friends. Rivers knew he was tired so he told him he would take his place. Along with members of the 1st Squad, LCpl. Rivers was carrying out a mission to prevent the enemy from firing on Patrol Base Sofla. According to the account of Cpl. Daniel A. Blatter, “Rivers set up security in a compound just north of Sofla after covering watch for a fellow Marine moments before. When he took over watch, he triggered an anti-personnel improvised explosive device.” While other members of his squad held security, three of his best friends, including another team leader LCpl. Matthew Proctor, rushed to his side to give aid. As LCpl. Proctor held his hand, he and Proctor recited Rivers’ favorite scripture verse from Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. In an interview two weeks later, Proctor said that Rivers was not only one of his best friends, but also a spiritual mentor to him. Together they had started a Bible study in an effort to reach out to fellow Marines to help them any way they could. But he also said that the best part about Rivers was his warrior-like attitude. Proctor said, “… as Marines, we are all warriors, but Rivers stood out among us all. He was one of the best team leaders in the battalion. And I know for sure, the best team leader in Alpha Company.” Soldiers never really die alone. Somewhere there are moms and dads, brothers and sisters and other family and friends who die a little too. American soldiers pride themselves on being a “band of brothers,” but they are more than that, they are a band of families, especially when one falls. Our country needs young men like Thomas Rivers, but not just to fight our wars. Men like Thomas and his friend Matthew Proctor have something that is missing from our national character and that is the willingness to sacrifice their own interests for the good of others. LCpl. Rivers knew the danger involved and he knew he could stay out of harm’s way that day by simply allowing the exhausted Marine to participate in that mission. Instead, he took his place. If that were all there was to this story, it would be enough. But there is more. As the funeral procession drove down I-65 to the Alabama National Cemetery located at the American Village just east of Montevallo, people lined the Interstate overpasses holding signs and waving flags in tribute. They lined the sides of the highway leading to the cemetery where more waited for his arrival. Dave Lewis, a minister at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and a retired Marine, said, “I have been very concerned about the future of this country. But seeing all those people that came out to honor this young man has made me realize that at our core, we are OK. We are still Americans.” I hope Dave Lewis is right about the country. I hope we are still a people willing to do the hard work of restoring strength and vitality to our nation, willing to get involved and give of our time and resources to make a difference. I hope there is still a measure of patriot blood flowing in our veins and we still hold that there are “self-evident” truths worth fighting and dying for. Because of LCpl. Rivers, Memorial Day means more to me now, not just because he is the first casualty from the War on Terror to be buried at the Alabama National Cemetery, but because he was also the son of a friend of mine. Memorial Day will not be just another day off work; it will be a reminder of the high price LCpl. Rivers paid and that his family and other service men and women and their families have paid and continue to pay to allow this nation to live in liberty and safety. As I visit the Alabama National Cemetery this Memorial Day, I hope and pray that there is still enough courage left. As someone else said, we cannot expect to be the land of the free unless we are the home of the brave. In that regard, there was no question about Thomas Rivers. • • • Gary Palmer is a congressman representing Alabama’s 6th District.
Dominic M. Calabro: Take time to remember sacrifices of soldiers on Memorial Day
I remember my Dad telling me stories of World War II when I was a kid. He told me about his friends who died to preserve the American way of life and to rid the world of a madman. Stories like my Dad’s remind me that nothing in our life in America comes without a price. Men and women of all backgrounds fought and died because they took an oath to defend their country from those who wished to harm it. My Dad and I participated in the Tallahassee Honor Flight in 2013. It was an honor to accompany my Dad on this journey to meet his fellow veterans and visit the World War II Memorial. I began thinking about all those men who died fighting in that war. Every country has men that will die for their country. But these men didn’t just die for the United States. They died for an idea; an idea of American exceptionalism in a dark world, built on the foundation of a constitutional republic that protects the rights of all its citizens. That is why on Memorial Day we honor our brave soldiers who died in the line of duty. Many will spend Memorial Day relaxing from work. Others will celebrate the beginning of summer with hot dogs and swimming trunks. But take some time out of your day to remember our fallen soldiers. Attend a local Memorial Day ceremony. Volunteer with local veterans’ groups. Learn about a local soldier who passed away during battle. Keeping their memories alive is how we can ensure that their sacrifice did not go in vain. I’m proud to be the son of a veteran and I’m sure many in our great state are proud of all of our Florida-born soldiers and all of their sacrifices. We should be glad that we live in a state that has taken steps to help our veterans and has given them expanded educational and professional opportunities to succeed in civilian life. Our commitment to our veterans honors the memories of those we lost and never will forget. To all those who have fought and continue to fight for American freedom, thank you. ___ Dominic M. Calabro is president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch.
Join Alabama Today in a moment of silence at 3 p.m.
It’s Memorial Day, the day when we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives while serving our nation. In addition to honoring their memory I encourage you to remember their loved ones and those who fought beside them. The freedoms we hold dear, God-given but protected by our Constitution, are only as safe as those who are willing to serve and our military and the great cost that many have paid is with their lives so that ours may remain safe. As our families and many families across the nation enjoy an extra day together this weekend, I encourage you to join us at Alabama Today, and the many others across the nation for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. to honor those who gave all. In his Presidential Proclamation – Prayer for Peace President Barak Obama honors our fallen heroes and gives the history of this special day:ƒƒ PRAYER FOR PEACE, MEMORIAL DAY, 2015 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION On Memorial Day, the United States pauses to honor the fallen heroes who died in service to our Nation. With heavy hearts and a sense of profound gratitude, we mourn these women and men — parents, children, loved ones, comrades-in-arms, friends, and all those known and unknown — who believed so deeply in what our country could be they were willing to give their lives to protect its promise. Our hearts ache in their absence, but their spirit gives us strength to continue their work of securing and renewing the liberties that all Americans cherish and for which these heroes gave their last full measure of devotion. In solemn reflection, we gather — in small towns and big cities, on battlefields, in cemeteries, and at sacred places where blood has been shed for freedom’s cause — throughout our country and around the world to remember the unbroken chain of patriots who won independence, saved our Union, defeated fascism, and protected the Nation we love from emerging threats in a changing world. Today, their legacy is carried forward by a new generation of servicemen and women and all who strive to shape a more perfect America; and their enormous sacrifices continue to make our opportunity possible. We owe all those who sacrifice in our name a tremendous debt, including our Nation’s mothers and fathers who have given their daughters and sons to America, spouses and partners who shoulder the weight of unthinkable loss, and courageous children in whom the legacies of their parents live on. As a Nation, we must uphold our obligations to these Gold Star families. We have pledged to them that they will never walk alone — that their country will be there for them always — and we must work every day to make good on this promise. Our Nation will never forget the valor and distinction of the women and men who defend freedom, justice, and peace. Today, we rededicate ourselves to commitments equal to the caliber of those who have rendered the highest service: to support our troops with the resources they need to do their jobs; to never stop searching for those who have gone missing or are prisoners of war; to ensure all our veterans have access to the care and benefits they have earned and deserve; and to continue our constant work of building a Nation worthy of the heroes we honor today. In honor of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time during which people may unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA
Bradley Byrne: The ultimate sacrifice
Aug. 10, 2009, likely started as any other day for Marine Lance Cpl. Bruce “Bubba” Ferrell Jr. The Baldwin County High School graduate was on a foot patrol in the Helmand province of Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device, or IED. The explosion took his life. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Phillip Johnson attended the University of South Alabama before joining the Marines. He later left the Marines and joined the Army. In January of 2004, Johnson lost his life during a Black Hawk crash in Iraq. Friends and family of Marine Cpl. Joseph “Joe” Whitehead from Axis in Mobile County called him “tough as nails.” He was tragically killed in 2011 by a roadside bomb while serving the United States in Afghanistan. Marine Cpl. Christopher Winchester was a native of Flomaton in Escambia County. Before he left, he asked his pastor and congregation in East Brewton to pray for his safety. Tragically, he died in a roadside bomb explosion near Tikrit, Iraq. Those are just a few stories of American heroes from Southwest Alabama who lost their life while serving in the United States military over the last decade. Unfortunately, there are far too many stories of South Alabamians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts ranging from World War I to Vietnam to the War on Terror. As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I hope you take the time to remember these heroes and all of those who lost their life while defending our country. I hope you reflect on what the holiday is all about. Memorial Day isn’t about trips to the beach or family barbecues. Memorial Day isn’t about time off work or family vacations. Memorial Day is about the men and women, throughout U.S. history, who have given their lives so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear. Memorial Day began in the years after the Civil War, and it was originally known as Decoration Day. It wasn’t until 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, that the last Monday in May officially became Memorial Day. On this day, communities all across the country hold ceremonies to honor our fallen heroes. As elected officials, we can never do enough for our service members and their families. We can pass important legislation to honor our veterans or we can work to ensure today’s military has the resources it needs, but nothing we do will ever be enough to adequately honor those who have given so much in defense of our great nation. As humans, it seems like we are programmed to avoid any situation that would put us in danger. That’s why there is something truly remarkable about the men and women of our military who choose to run toward danger. These American heroes aren’t afraid of a challenge; when faced with adversity, they simply push themselves harder and reach even higher. From time to time, I travel out to Arlington National Cemetery and visit the graves of Alabamians who are buried on the hallowed grounds. There is nothing more powerful than paying a visit to the 624-acre cemetery, the site of more than 400,000 graves. The small white tombstones stretch on for miles and serve as a small reminder of the sacrifice our service men and women make to defend our nation. So to Cpl. Winchester, Cpl. Whitehead, Chief Warrant Officer Johnson, and Lance Cpl. Ferrell: I say thank you. Thank you for putting your nation and our freedoms above yourself. Thank you for the sacrifice you made so that others may live. Thank you to all of those who have served, are serving, or intend to serve in the United States military. Our nation is forever grateful. Bradley Byrne is a member of the U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
