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My grandfather fought with the 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne) in France during WWI. My father flew B-24s with the 392nd BG and after he was wounded, was transferred to the Pacific T.O. to support Marine and Army units on their drive to Japan. My uncles served with the Marines and Navy in both WWII and Korea and my late father-in-law was a Machinist’s Mate in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. I retired from the Army with two tours in Vietnam, starting with the Tet Offensive in Hue/Phu Bai in 1968 .

My family and I understand what it means to live in a free country and, more importantly, what it means to protect that country to ensure its freedoms for our children and grandchildren. However, we also know how our beloved country treats its veterans after their service is no longer needed. It is summed up in this short poem, attributed to both Rudyard Kipling and a soldier in Wellington’s army:

In times of war, and not before,
God and the soldier men adore;
When the war is o'er and all things righted,
God’s forgotten and the soldier slighted.

To the President and Congress:
Mr. President, Honorable Senators and Representatives,
If, on this Memorial Day, you do remember the sacrifices of American veterans, please hold that thought sacred in your heart, because the time will come when you will be asked to vote to take care of those of us and of our families who have served our country with honor, with dignity, and with pride. May your duty to us equal what you have expected and received from us; no more, no less.