Throughout our history, more than 1 million Americans have lost their lives serving our country. Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to remember the men and women who sacrificed everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. While communities throughout the state will be celebrating Memorial Day in their own ways, it is important that we remember the true meaning of the holiday: to honor our service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to our nation.
This day also reminds us of the families of fallen servicemen and women who are left to continue their lives at home without their loved one. As a veteran of the Iraq War, I know firsthand the commitment military families must make. All wars are also felt on the home front. The fathers, mothers, siblings, wives, husbands and children of our military men and women are all affected but they carry on. Please remember them in your activities, thoughts and prayers this week.
Unfortunately, there are instances where Hoosier veterans pass away without living family members to make proper burial arrangements. To ensure these heroes receive a burial recognizing their commitment to our country, the General Assembly recently enacted a new law tasking the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs to work with veteran service organizations to establish a set of standards for the unclaimed remains of deceased veterans. I also voted in favor of a law doubling the amount of money dedicated to funeral expenses for Indiana National Guard members who fall in the line of duty. There will never be enough that we can do to repay our servicemen and women, but we are committed to continuing to find ways to show our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice.
Memorial Day means so much to our country and I hope you are able to take time to reflect on what it means to you. I am honored to serve as a voice for veterans at the Statehouse. On behalf of the Indiana General Assembly, I want to say ‘thank you’ to all those who died protecting the freedom and liberty we hold so dearly.
As always, please contact me with questions or input at 317-232-9793 or by email at h74@iga.in.gov. You can also learn more about the work being done on your behalf by signing up to receive my email updates at www.in.gov/h74.
-30-
State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
