Remembering Those who Have Sacrificed on Memorial Day

Friends,

On Memorial Day, many Georgians will celebrate an extra day off work.  School children in the 159th District and across our state will celebrate the beginning of their summer break.  Some may visit the pool or light the grill. 

However, I hope that this Memorial Day you’ll remember that it’s not just another holiday, but a solemn opportunity to remember the extraordinary price paid by many of our men and women in uniform.  

Since our community’s earliest days, many of our neighbors from southeastern Georgia have answered the call of duty, putting their lives on the line to protect the ideals upon which America was built.  

Many of them never came home. 

From the Revolutionary War to more recent day conflicts in the Middle East and around the world, the selfless acts of our servicemen and servicewomen have shaped our history and preserved the liberties we hold dear.

Memorial Day provides an opportunity for us to pay homage to these sacrifices and the families left behind.  As we commemorate Memorial Day, let us not lose sight of the true meaning of this day. It is not just about barbecues and beach trips; it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. It is a day to remember that freedom and our representative democracy has come at great cost.

We were privileged in the General Assembly just this past session to enact legislation recognizing the needs of Georgia’s veterans and their families. HB 414, which was introduced by Representative Shaw Blackmon of Bonaire and signed into law by the Governor creates a state grant program to provide mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families.

I am proud of my role in advancing legislation like this to benefit those who have sacrificed so much, and I hope you’ll join me in taking a few moments to pray for these men and women, and their families.

Always remember that should you have questions about my work as your Representative or as Speaker of the House, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5020, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA.  If you wish to sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, visit https://www.friendsofjonburns.com/home to sign up.