Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today released the following statement commemorating the upcoming Memorial Day.

“We’ve seen too many Memorial Days pass while our troops remain overseas, often on their third or fourth tours of duty. This is a day not just to thank all those who have fought for our country, but to remember that our soldiers are people with families who want them home. We can pay no greater tribute to our soldiers – on Memorial Day or any other day – than to reunite them with their loved ones and make sure they have the support they need from their fellow countrymen. They bear a great deal of hardship without complaint. Saluting them for their dedication and bravery can only be the beginning of an appropriate show of gratitude.

“This Memorial Day, let’s think of the returning soldiers who need assistance finding a home for their family, or who need mental health counseling, or who need financial assistance in returning to civilian life, and commit ourselves as a national community to making sure they get that help. There is no excuse for letting our soldiers down when they deserve our assistance, or for thinking a pat on the back is enough. Veterans and current soldiers have both earned the fullest measure of our respect, and we should show that respect by helping them in practice as well as thanking them in words.

“I thank all our soldiers who serve and those who have retired from military life, and I ask everyone to give a moment’s thought to the generations of Americans killed in war. Every time we ask them to sacrifice years of their lives in service to their country, we make a promise that we will recognize, reward and honor that sacrifice. This Memorial Day, we should take time to consider how we can all make good on that promise.”