[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 9026]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

 Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I wish to recognize our military 
servicemembers, their families, and all veterans who have sacrificed in 
the service of this great country. After a long winter, Americans are 
finally enjoying the outdoors and spending precious time with their 
loved ones this month. But we should always remember that we enjoy 
these freedoms because the Guard, Reserve, and Active members of the 
U.S. military remain diligent, ready and willing to serve and 
sacrifice.
  We celebrate our 15th annual National Military Appreciation Month 
this year, thanks to the leadership of my colleague Senator McCain, who 
sponsored legislation in 1999 that set aside an entire month to honor, 
remember, and appreciate the patriotism and dedication of the military 
and their families. Military Appreciation Month includes specific 
recognition of Loyalty Day on May 1, Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 
Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9, Armed Forces Day on May 17, 
and, most importantly, Memorial Day on May 26.
  From the American Revolution to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, 
military men and women have always made enormous sacrifices in order to 
defend our Nation. I am inspired by their patriotism, their courage, 
and their dedication to freedom. Military Appreciation Month also 
recognizes the more than 90 million Americans who have family members 
serving in the military. Military families are also making tremendous 
sacrifices on behalf of the American people, and they are equally 
deserving of recognition during National Military Appreciation Month.
  Recent events have provided another reminder of the constant guard 
our brave servicemembers provide. Earlier this year, 24-year-old PO2 
Mark Mayo of Hagerstown, MD, gave his life, without hesitation, to 
protect his fellow shipmate. As a civilian assaulted a fellow sailor 
and grabbed her gun, Petty Officer Mayo stepped into harm's way, 
shielded his shipmate, and died so that she could live. Petty Officer 
Mayo was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on April 25, 2014, 
and posthumously awarded The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest 
noncombat decoration for heroism awarded by the U.S. Department of the 
Navy.
  Petty Officer Mayo is just one example of the heroism of our 
servicemembers; heroism that has been displayed countless times, both 
at home and abroad, throughout our Nation's history.
  Young military men and women represent the best of our country. They 
choose to serve our communities, fight for their fellow Americans and 
defend our liberties with the fullest measure of devotion. Similar to 
generations before them, they have committed themselves to the defense 
of our Constitution against all enemies. Their devotion to their fellow 
Americans makes our Nation exceptional.
  Not all those who support our national defense have worn a uniform or 
have been called away to distant battlefields. World War II's ``Rosie 
the Riveter'' saying ``We can do it'' sounds an awful lot like today's 
young people saying ``Yes, we can.'' I urge my colleagues to keep this 
spirit of our ``Rosies'' in mind today as we commit ourselves to 
answering the challenges that face our Nation.
  We are fortunate to have so many women still living in Maryland who 
evoke the spirit of Rosie the Riveter. Crena Anderson riveted airplanes 
in Hagerstown, MD, during World War II. Ruth Staples of Brunswick, MD, 
worked on the railroad in support of allied efforts during the war. 
Even today, Crena and Ruth are both actively helping their local 
communities create replicable projects that teach and preserve World 
War II-era history and advance positive roles that women can play in 
our changing world.
  This Memorial Day should be a time when all Americans can reconnect 
with our history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives 
for the ideals we cherish. In addition to remembering the 
servicemembers who fought and died in our Nation's wars, I believe that 
we must also take care of the servicemembers and veterans who are still 
with us, especially when they return home. There are serious issues 
that need to be addressed in the military and veteran communities. 
Active-Duty military and veteran suicide rates are at record high, 
Veterans' Administration disability claims continue to face 
unacceptable delays, and many programs that help discharged 
servicemembers make the transition to civilian life are inadequate. It 
is unacceptable that many of our servicemembers, veterans, and their 
caregivers lack the health care they need after a decade of war. Too 
many of these men and women are suffering from not only visible 
injuries but invisible ones too. We must do better. In these 
challenging times, let us pledge to redouble our efforts to provide for 
our veterans, not just on this Memorial Day but every day.
  Military Appreciation Month is a time we should hold close to our 
hearts. In our hectic daily lives, let us not forget why our country 
endures. Throughout this month we will see many American flags and 
flowers adorning the graves of those who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice for our Nation. We honor them and remember their families, 
who wear the Gold Star Pin, because they bear the greatest burden of 
sacrifice. I remember in particular the 114 Marylanders who have been 
killed in our most recent conflicts and am reminded that our freedom 
isn't free. The best way to honor their sacrifice is to ensure that we 
are unwavering in our support for those who return to us wounded, ill, 
and injured. Let us affirm our commitment to them today and every 
day.

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