Letter: Remember and Honor our Veterans

Dear Editor:

Memorial Day is an important time to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Servicemen and women have always been important to me. Many members of my family were in the military, including my husband Michael, who served with distinction in Desert Storm as a Major in the United States Marine Corps. He is a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 927 – the Hunterdon County Bulldogs. 

Our family remains passionate about honoring our troops. Volunteering at the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System reminds me how important it is to let veterans know their sacrifices are appreciated.

Playing bingo with our veterans is more than calling out numbers. It’s a small thank you that says: “You are not forgotten and we are grateful for your service.”

I am very serious about making sure veterans are not forgotten. I support New Jersey’s “Operation: Hire a Jersey Hero,” which is committed to expand employment opportunities for veterans. Recently, more than 50 employers with nearly 3,000 job openings – attended a state-sponsored job fair for veterans.

Many employers know that the skills people gain in the military make them valuable members of any organization.

I’m proud that New Jersey values our veterans and encourage everyone to take this Memorial Day as an opportunity to remember those who have given their lives and thank those who were willing to do so. 

Sincerely:

Assemblywoman Donna Simon

16^th Legislative District – Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Middlesex counties