A message from Congressman Mike Thompson
By Mike Thompson
Today marks Memorial Day, an opportunity to honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers. In the 157 years since the Civil War ended, it’s become a moment to grieve with those who lost loved ones in the line of duty and give our thanks for their sacrifice.
Today, we honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen heroes. To answer the call to serve is one of the most solemn decisions one can make, and it’s one that I know well as a Vietnam War combat veteran.
The men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our democracy deserve recognition for their service — and today provides us an opportunity to honor their legacy.
Every year, I’m reminded of the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." These words ring true today and they will for years to come.
As we recognize the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives for our country, we must remember the responsibility that falls to us. That means standing up for the freedoms that they valiantly defended abroad and recognizing that we live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave because of their sacrifice.
In Congress, I’ll continue working to serve our veterans and their families, not just today on Memorial Day, but every day.
May God bless our troops. Thank you.
This was sent out as Mike Thompson’s newsletter. Thompson represents California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. He was first elected in 1998. Prior to service in Congress, Thompson represented California’s 2nd District in the California State Senate, where he chaired the powerful Budget Committee.