Kevin Roberts: “I thank Senator Young and Senator Collins, who have just preceded me and set the tone, as only they can do, with regard…”

“I thank Senator Young and Senator Collins, who have just preceded me and set the tone, as only they can do, with regard to honoring Memorial Day. It is truly an honor to stand on the floor of the Senate and speak about so many who have served and defended our Nation. As the son of a World War II veteran--a marine veteran, I might add--and a veteran myself, also a marine, it is a privilege to represent our men and women in uniform in the U.S. Senate and to be able to ensure they have all the tools they need to fulfill their missions, to ensure their families are supported here at home, and to ensure our veterans receive the care and services they deserve. Just a word about my dad. He was 41 when the war started. He joined the Marines--he was in a non-combat role--at a recruiting station in Kansas City. They looked and looked and looked for a combat billet and finally found one that said that the top age was 39. They really needed people. He was 41. He lied about his age, and then went into that billet to see action in Guam, Okinawa, and, yes, Iwo Jima. I went to Iwo Jima on the 15th anniversary--that was about 60 years ago. We now have the 75th. When standing on top of Mount Suribachi, you really stop and realize exactly the sacrifice my dad and others made. He survived those attacks, and thank you to President Truman for allowing my dad to get back.…”