Washington (May 26, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement commemorating Memorial Day.

“Every Memorial Day, as s commonwealth and as a country, we come together to honor the men and women who have given their lives in the line of military duty. Since the birth of our nation, our servicemembers have fought, suffered, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom, prosperity, and peace. We have a solemn obligation both to honor the memories of those who have fallen and to reaffirm our commitment to those who return home.

“That is why this week, I introduced a bill that would increase pensions for Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. This small group of brave men and women are our heroes' heroes. We must commit to honoring and providing for our nation's ‎servicemembers who went above and beyond the call of duty with no thought to reward or personal safety. 

“I also am honored to join a bipartisan group of Senators to reintroduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the brave soldiers of Word War II called the Ghost Army. These troops were composed of 1,100 of America’s most brilliant artists, engineers and signal professionals who used inflatable tanks and other vehicles distract and trick the enemy, providing critical time and resources during key battles. But because the Ghost Army’s mission was kept top-secret, these soldiers have never received formal recognition. It is well past time that we honor these brave patriots who held the line at such a critical moment in World War II.

“But we will not honor those who are no longer with us if we cut the programs that care for the servicemembers who came home. I pledge to work every day in Congress to fight against damaging budget cuts to health care, housing and education. These programs make sure that our veterans and their families are taken care of, and they deserve every protection and recognition which we are capable of bestowing upon them.

“Today, and every day, we honor the men and women of our armed forces, who volunteer their lives to serve our country, who walk into peril to ensure our safety, and who go beyond the call of duty to secure our liberty and protect the great blessings of our nation. As Americans, we must remember our duty to pay homage to their sacrifice, and honor the memories of the fallen not only with our words, but through our actions.”