On the recordMay 22, 2015
as Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in the Senate, and on the eve of Memorial Day, I think it is appropriate that we pause for a moment. We debate as Democrats and Republicans today on the floor of the Senate currency, trade, national security, fast-track, and the issues of the day in a contentious debate. We do so freely. We do so without fear of retribution. We do so when we go home tonight knowing we are at peace and comfort and knowing that we are in a safe nation. We are because of the men and women who have worn the uniform, sacrificed, and given their lives so America could exist today. I think it is only appropriate that each of us on the Senate floor take a moment to pause and give a prayer for our soldiers who risked their lives and gave their lives for our country. For me, as the Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I make an effort to go to the American cemeteries all over the world to make sure we are still taking care of them and honoring those who sacrificed the way they should be honored. I want to share with the Senate a brief story to point out how important Memorial Day really is. On Memorial Day in May of 2007, I went with Senator Burr and other Members of the Senate to the American Cemetery in Margraten in the Netherlands where over 8,000 Americans are buried who fought in the Battle of the Bulge to root the Nazis out of Germany and liberate the Jews from concentration camps. They were successful, but they died.…
