Honoring our fallen heroes. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JENNIFER WEXTON.

Dear David,

Today we honor those who have served our country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Thank you to all who have served our nation in uniform and the families who have supported them.

Freedom isn’t free, and we are eternally in your debt. 

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Barbecues & Freedom. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JOSH WELLE.

USS COWPENS (CG-63) deployed in the sea of Japan

Asbury Park Charity Kings Family Day on May 26, 2018

Some things never change...

This weekend, I was invited to speak at Asbury Park Annual Family Day. l had the pleasure of connecting with those in and out of my district, and had the opportunity to learn more about  their challenges and aspirations.

Building relationships and cooking burgers in Asbury Park reminded me of Navy barbecues. I have wonderful memories of serving chow on the foodline--enjoying celebrations on deployment away from NJ family--eating with shipmates who would become brothers and sisters in arms.

To be honest, there was something special about being deployed on Memorial Day. Being on the front lines and standing the watch was a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice others gave for our nation.

As you reflect today remember that our democracy is fragile and must be protected. Freedom in our great society is not free.

We honor all Gold Star families, military families, and veterans for their sacrifices.

Service First,

Josh

Honoring, remembering, and reflecting. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE STEPHEN SEVIGNY, MD.

Chuck Tyler

Field Director

Dear David,

27 years ago this week, I was flying back to the United States after a year-long deployment in the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm.

 

The sudden squealing of massive rubber tires touching down onto the asphalt let me know we had landed in Bangor, Maine. Even though my watch showed it was 7 in the morning, most of the major restaurants like Red Lobster had opened to offer free meals to returning troops during our layover there.

 

I was tired, dirty, and at first chose to stay on the plane to catch a catnap while we were on the ground. I told myself there were about 300 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who wouldn't get to be seated at the tables that day because I saw the statistics in my mind--the casualties from that conflict numbered 148 U.S. servicemembers killed in action, and 145 non-combat deaths, including 15 women. However, the joy I felt because I was back in my homeland talked me into deplaning and setting my sights on claiming a steak platter.

 

I found myself back in a Red Lobster this week, and it’s interesting what memories whispered in my mind, flashing pictures of a conflict far, far away.

 

Memorial Day is the day to remember our war dead. After the Civil War, and the installation of our country’s first national cemeteries, people began to visit gravesites of loved ones to decorate and recite prayers. Eventually, in 1966, the federal government established a day in late May as Memorial Day.

 

We used to sing a cadence when we were marching or running in formation.

 

“Around her hair she wore a yellow ribbon!

She wore a yellow ribbon in the merry month of May!

Around her hair she wore a yellow ribbon!

She wore it for a paratrooper far, far away!”

 

We remember, because if it weren’t for those who sacrificed before us, I wouldn’t have had the honor to serve my country in uniform.

 

That’s why I celebrate Memorial Day. Not with barbecues or picnics or festivities.

 

I celebrate with revering the memories of those who served, near and far, far away.

 

Yours,

 

Chuck Tyler

Field Director

 

Happy Memorial Day? CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE KEN HARBAUGH.

David,

 

Is it okay to say, Happy Memorial Day?

 

I am the son, grandson, and brother of combat veterans. As a former Navy pilot myself, this holiday has special significance.

 

This is a day set aside to honor those who died serving our country. But for many Americans, it has become little more than a three-day weekend, filled with backyard barbecues and door-buster mattress sales.

 

For those who see this day of remembrance being trivialized, it is easy to take offense at the suggestion that there is anything “happy” about it.

 

Except I do not know a single veteran or first-responder who expects the country to mark this holiday with 24 hours of uninterrupted sadness. A few years ago, I spent Memorial Day at a military cemetery visiting my grandfather’s grave. Though I was there to grieve, I could not help but recall stories that made me laugh—like when his plane’s emergency raft deployed in mid-flight, and his machine gunner nearly shot off the tail trying to deflate it. These days, when I reminisce with my buddies about friends who did not come home from war, of course we share our sadness, but the stories we most often tell are ones that bring us joy.

 

That is how our friends would want it.

 

When I think about those who died serving in the military, I remember why they joined in the first place. They did it to defend a way of life, one that includes the pursuit of happiness as a founding ideal.

 

To be sure, we could use a bit more reverence this weekend. A moment of silence before we dig into our hamburgers. Fewer shopping sprees. But unrelenting grief? None of my buddies would have wanted that. Pick-up truck discounts, pie-eating contests, and the freedom to be happy are all part of what they fought and died for.

 

So from my family to yours, on this beautiful holiday weekend, have a blessed and happy Memorial Day.

 

In service,

 

Ken