Washington D.C .
A Letter From Congressman Ed Royce :
This Memorial Day, we are reminded that freedom is not free; that sometimes, those who serve in our armed forces must make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
We do not mourn, but rather remember those who so bravely and valiantly died fighting for their country, their family, and friends. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Fallujah, American soldiers have answered the call of duty without hesitation time and again.
These heroes were not just soldiers, but rather citizens that believed in our freedoms enough to risk their lives for people they would never meet. No soldier could give more than those who we remember this Memorial Day, and no one could ask more of them. Their voice must now be our voice.
I would encourage you all to get involved in worthwhile efforts that support our nation’s heroes. Engage your American spirit and let’s reach out to those who have served.
Offer them a hand up and thank them for their service. Let them know America is great because of them. And let us recommit ourselves to ensuring no American forgets the true cost of freedom.
| Coming Home Safe |
Just in time for Memorial Day… it was an honor to have my staff attend the Welcome Home Ceremony of A Company, 5 Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group this past week. We celebrated the safe return of 90 Special Forces “Green Beret” California Army National Guard Soldiers coming home after a six month combat-intensive tour in Afghanistan.
According to a representative with the California Army National Guard, “their efforts in close combat as part of Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan blunted the anticipated Spring offensive in Northern Afghanistan and inflicted heavy casualties on enemy formations.”
On behalf of all Californians, I want to thank each and every one of these Green Beret’s for their service and sacrifice to our country. We are incredibly proud of you and are happy to see you return home safely!
