Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald sent the following Memorial Day message to all VA employees.

Many have heard the saying, “Poor is the Nation that has no heroes, but beggared is the Nation that has and forgets them.”

On this Memorial Day, let us pause to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our Nation. Let us remember the special nobility and grace of those who donned the uniforms of our country and sacrificed their lives during times of conflict. Let us remember—as we renew our commitment to honor those we have lost—that, every day, dedicated men and women put their lives on the line to protect all of us. We owe them all our deepest gratitude.

Over 70 years ago, June 6, 1944, 175,000 American, Canadian, and British troops spearheaded the Allies’ assault against the forces of tyranny threatening millions of people across Europe. Exposed to devastating fire on the beaches of Normandy, those brave souls established a beachhead, began the Allied march across Europe, and sent a message of hope across the continent. That message, writ large by the hands of heroes, signaled Freedom’s triumph over evil and the preface to peace for a world too long at war.

From the opening rounds of the American Revolution, through the devastation of the Civil War, through World War I, World War II, and Korea, through Vietnam and Desert Storm, to those who have fought—and fight still today—so hard and valiantly in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than a million American Servicemembers have paid the ultimate price to secure the blessings of liberty for our Nation and our allies around the world.

As many of our NCA employees prepare our cemeteries, our national shrines, and work on Memorial Day activities to welcome our guests, I encourage all of us to show our support for Veterans and honor those who have passed by attending or participating in an event at a national cemetery near you. For a complete listing please visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/2015_Memorial_Day_Ceremonies.asp

At VA, we honor those lost in the way we care for those who returned home—and for their families and survivors. Thank you for all that you do for Veterans. It is a privilege to serve with each one of you in fulfilling our sacred mission.

On this Memorial Day, may God bless our Veterans, their families, all of our VA employees and your families, and our great Nation.


Sec. Bob McDonald visits Phoenix and Las Vegas VAMC

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5 Comments

  1. Wayne S. Knox May 26, 2015 at 09:52

    McDonald is just another politician, but much worse . He is an Obama politician! The VA is no better now than it was before he was posted.

  2. dan minnerly May 24, 2015 at 08:32

    If only our elected officials would see fit to fully restore funds and make permanent a live bugler with Honor Guard at veteran funerals and observances and discontinue the use of a recoded device for sounding Taps.

  3. Marsha Thompson May 22, 2015 at 18:38

    I read your comments for this latest Memorial Day.
    But when will your office get on board to help our Vets??!! I understand that you have a tough administration job, but there are Vets that have tough LIVES! They depend on you to take care of business!!!
    I am a Native American female Air Force Veteran, and have held off from applying for benefits because I thought that if I didn’t apply for benefits that I am entitled to, it would make way for other Vets that REALLY need the benefits!! But that doesn’t seem to matter within this administration! WHAT DO PLAN TO DO, SIR?
    I also am an officer with American Legion Iroquois Post 1587 in New York. So I would like to know what your plans are for our Vets??

  4. carlota robinson monana May 22, 2015 at 17:56

    my Great grandfather Henry Benjamin Robinson was a US Navy Veteran and serve in WW1 ,my Grandfather Jose S.Robinson was an Army Intelligence Operative and serve in WW11.we are proud that they are Heroes.i have with me picture of my Great grandfather,and original document of my grandfather to show you they served and sacrificed their lives on the war.please help us to claim their benefits and compensation,my grandfather did not receive any single amount after he served and sacrifice his life on the war.thank you so much.we are all waiting for it.

  5. Daniel Antonio Deuda May 22, 2015 at 15:17

    Debt of gratitude to the heroes. It’s a must to pay tribute and honor them…

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