This year, Memorial Day has an even greater meaning.  September 11th has touched all our lives in a profound way, as we witnessed the most tragic event ever on American soil.  Thousands of Americans lost their lives that day—firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, ordinary men, women and children who are now heroes—and we especially pause to remember their loss.

Our men and women in uniform dedicate themselves each and every day to defending our freedom and to protecting and saving the lives of their fellow Americans.  They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.  We owe it to them to make sure their needs are never forgotten or left behind.  

This week, the United States House of Representatives passed several measures, which I supported, that will greatly benefit our nation’s veterans—including the Jobs for Veterans Act, that will improve employment, training and placement programs for our veterans in need of work; and legislation to provide an annual cost-of-living increase and expand benefits to veterans and their survivors.

On Monday, I look forward to being in Hot Springs to attend a special Memorial Day service to honor our fallen veterans, and to spending time with my family.  As we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, I hope each of you will take a moment to pause and remember all those who have given their lives to make this the great nation that it is today, a nation we are proud to call the United States of America.