Congressman Bill Huizenga | Rep. Bill Huizenga Official U.S House Headshot
Congressman Bill Huizenga | Rep. Bill Huizenga Official U.S House Headshot
All gave some, some gave all. Memorial Day reveals the true meaning of this powerful phrase. On Friday, I joined Sheriff Bailey to remember our fallen soldiers at the St. Joe’s Memorial Day Parade. After the parade, I was honored to speak at the ceremony at the Howard Band Shell where these words echoed in my mind.
My father was fortunate to survive a B-24 crash during WWII. Sadly, 10 of his fellow soldiers on that plane did not. My father taught me the importance of honoring their memory and I continue to teach my children the importance of honoring those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.
Along the riverfront, I also discussed the loss of soldiers from across the 4th Congressional District including Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Price of Holland who was killed in action in Afghanistan, as well as Sgt. 1st Class Richard Herrema of Hudsonville, who was killed in action in Iraq. We must never forget the sacrifice these men, and so many others across have made, so we can remain free.
Later that day, I went up the Lakeshore to spend time with veterans in South Haven. Together with the wonderful staff at Laurel Oaks senior living facility, we were able to honor a group of truly tremendous men who served our nation. It was so insightful to sit down with these heroes, listen to their stories, and hear first-hand about their experience during their time of service. I presented each veteran with a Congressional Record where their service to our nation will be permanently placed in the historical record of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Thankfully, in South Haven, each of those men made it home. Sadly, that is not always the case. May God continue to watch over the families of those currently serving as well as the families of loved ones who never returned.
If you need help navigating a federal agency, please visit Huizenga.House.Gov or call my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Washington at (202) 225-4401 so we can assist you.
This column originally appeared in the Tri-City Record on June 1, 2023.
Original source can be found here.
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