As North Carolinians celebrate Memorial Day, I want to thank the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. Since the American Revolution, our troops have served honorably and sacrificed to make America the great nation it is today. I urge all North Carolinians to take a moment this Memorial Day to honor America's soldiers, both past and present.

This Memorial Day is particularly somber for many Americans. More than 30,000 North Carolinians have served in Iraq, as well as Afghanistan. As a veteran myself, I have visited with many of our North Carolina troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and also at home in America. North Carolinians are proud of our troops and the work they are doing. With six military bases in our state, we have all been touched by the sacrifice of our troops.

Sadly, a small group of citizens in our nation has decided to express its disagreement with certain government policies by protesting at military funerals. Although they are small in numbers, their signs and words go too far and even praise the death of our soldiers.

This kind of unpatriotic disrespect for America's fallen soldiers has no place at a funeral. Military families have suffered great hardship and heartache, and they deserve nothing less than to have a peaceful time to mourn.

Earlier this month, I voted with my colleagues in the house to pass H.R. 5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act. The bill would prevent protests within 500 feet of military funerals at national cemeteries for 60 minutes before and after. This bill will ensure that the families of our soldiers are able to grieve and pay their respects in peace. I hope that the Senate will pass the legislation and that it will be signed into law.

America's troops have put themselves at risk to protect American interests around the world and our freedom here at home. We should all pause this Memorial to show our respect and give our prayers. May God bless our troops, our families, and may God continue to bless America.

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