Honoring our Nation’s Heroes on Memorial Day
By Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
May 22, 2009

On Memorial Day 2009, we are united as one nation in honoring the men and women who have fallen in defense of their country. To be sure, South Dakota has a proud tradition of service, and its men and women have served in every conflict this nation has seen in the 20th century -- including our current missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I salute their memory and honor their bravery. This patriotic sense of duty to country is one of the many reasons why I am proud to represent South Dakota in Congress.

On this somber day of remembrance, we also recognize the heroes who are still with us, many of whom fought alongside and lost good friends in order to guarantee the freedoms we hold dear. Recently, I proudly welcomed over 100 South Dakota World War II veterans to Washington D.C. as part of South Dakota’s first Honor Flight, a trip that allows these veterans the opportunity to see the memorials to their service. I met these brave men and many members of their families in the shadow of the Marine Corps War Memorial, a monument that portrays one of the most famous pictures of our country’s honored flag – the raising of the colors on Mount Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima. Standing alongside those Honor Flight Veterans below the Marine Corps War Memorial added a new dimension to my pride in my country and those who honorably defend her. It was a true privilege to meet and hear the stories of these living heroes.

In addition to honoring heroes from conflicts past, Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who are today serving in ongoing conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In fact, more than 3,000 soldiers and 1,000 airmen and women from the South Dakota National Guard have mobilized and served overseas since the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001. Just last month, I spoke at a pair of activation ceremonies honoring 300 soldiers of the 147th Field Artillery before they departed for training and eventual service in Iraq. This level of commitment sets a powerful example for all Americans to emulate.

As a nation, we have made a commitment to take care of our soldiers while they are serving, when they return home, and to the families of those who do not return. From my position as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue my ongoing efforts to ensure that all of our veterans are able to obtain the benefits they have earned through their service.

As Chairwoman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I have worked extensively on the Post-9/11 GI Bill to ensure education benefits meet the needs of the 21st century veterans. The VA reports that the initial signup period for the program is proceeding smoothly and that they expect the program to be fully up and running by its Aug. 1st launch date. Also, I am dedicated to improving the critical Transition Assistance Program. I have introduced a bill, H.R. 1851, to improve this program throughout our armed forces so that all soldiers get the assistance they need with employment and benefits when transitioning back to civilian life after a long deployment.

Finally, I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the administration to ensure the VA receives adequate funding and resources to properly care for the soldiers who have suffered both visible and invisible wounds while protecting our country. These commitments, these moral promises we make to those who have risked and who have given their lives, should be sacred and untouchable. They should be viewed as an ongoing cost of protecting our nation. I feel humbled and privileged to serve South Dakota, and I promise to continue working to take care of those who have taken care of us.

On Memorial Day, we all stand underneath one flag and remember those who left behind their families to fight not just for themselves, but to ensure that generations of Americans yet unborn could live in freedom. We are truly united in one memory – a memory of a solid, unbroken line of soldiers who did their duty, no matter the cost. I pledge to continue to do my best and to honor the sacrifices of those who have fallen. To our veterans, I thank you again for your service. You are the reason why I am so proud to call this country, and South Dakota, my home.