Washington, D.C. – Just hours after pulling an all-nighter to vote against a Republican bill that will implement the largest cuts to basic needs programs like Medicaid and SNAP, Congressman Eugene Vindman — a 25-year U.S. Army veteran — led a solemn Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor America’s fallen service members.
Vindman began the day by laying a memorial wreath at the gravesite of General Matthew B. Ridgway, the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the D-Day invasion. Vindman served in the 82nd early in his career. General Ridgway served as Supreme Allied Commander of Europe and the 19th Chief of Staff of the United States Army. The ceremony paid tribute to General Ridgway’s leadership and legacy, and more broadly, to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Reverend Cozy Bailey, Jr., a constituent from Dumfries and respected community leader, served as the presiding chaplain of the ceremony. His powerful prayer reflected the reverence and gratitude felt by those in attendance.
“Memorial Day is deeply personal to me. It’s a time to honor those who gave everything for our country and our freedom,” said Vindman. “Standing in Arlington among the heroes there, I’m reminded of the values they died to defend. As a Member of Congress, we have no greater duty than deciding when the nation goes to war, and it was important for me to come here this morning to honor and be reminded of the human costs of those decisions. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to pay my respects to those willing to give everything for our country.”
The visit included an observance of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a tour of the historic Memorial Amphitheater.
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