From Paul Tonko, today:
"Memorial Day provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives to defend our freedoms," said Tonko. "As a member of congress, our soldiers, sailors, and airman will be able to count on me to advocate for the physical and mental health services and transitional support needed to heal and rebuild the lives they selflessly put on hold."
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"From the Stratton Air National Guard Base, home of the 109th Airlift Wing to the United States Army's Watervliet Arsenal, the 21st Congressional District is home to outstanding Americans who have repeatedly answered the nation's call to serve. Our active duty forces and members of the reserves stand ready to protect each of us -- as a member of congress; I will be prepared to protect their futures."
Paul Tonko also attended a memorial service in Lafayette Park in the city of Albany today. There, he called upon President George W. Bush to sign Sen. Webb's 21st Century G.I. Bill. I like how he makes mention of both the arsenal in Watervliet (my grandfather worked there all his life) and the Stratton Air Base (because it's appropriately named after former Congressman Sam Stratton and ties things up nicely at a Memorial Day campaign event.)
Phil Steck released this simple statement two days ago:
This Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity for all of us to enjoy time with our family and our friends and enjoy the simple freedoms that we often may take for granted.
These freedoms have been hard fought and earned over generations of men and women who have served our country in the U.S. Military. I certainly try not to forget what many of our veterans have done so that we can continue to live and prosper. People like my father Ernie, who is a World War II Army veteran.
This weekend I hope that you will take some time to remember our veterans as well as the young men and women who are currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe as they work to keep us from harm, and wish them all safe and well.
All eight congressional candidates have pledged to get the troops home at their debate two weeks ago, in one way or another. I view Phil Steck's simple statement this weekend in conjunction with his simple statement about the war at the debate:
That none of the other issues before us is as important as getting out of Iraq. According to Steck, we can talk about health care, we can talk about energy and education and the economy; but if we don't take care of this illegal war, nothing else will get done.
That's worth remembering today, too. |
