I was proud to welcome John and Dawn Szymanski to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate’s 24th Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan’s fallen soldiers. The Szymanskis are the parents of Marine Lance Cpl. Steven J. Szymanski of Midland, who was killed in the line of duty at Fort Bragg in 2014.

During the ceremony, I read the name of the Michigan resident killed in action during the past year. I also welcomed the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan John Burgess of Sanford, who was killed in Iraq in December 2006.

My thoughts are with their families and the family of Corpsman Aaron Ullom of Midland, who was killed in Afghanistan in July 2011, as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty.

A Grateful Nation Remembers
Dear Friends,

On Memorial Day, our nation honors our fallen heroes. Because of their selfless service and sacrifice, we live in a nation that is a shining beacon of hope across the world.

We know that this great nation will always rise to whatever is necessary to help preserve liberty. Doing so is simply a part of our heritage, our culture and our collective American consciousness.

I am immensely proud to have served our country in the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard, and I would like to give a heartfelt “thank you” to all veterans who have served admirably. I greatly appreciate everything our veterans have done for us.

How deep our gratitude ought to be toward the brave citizens who have served our country in conflicts. By now it should be painfully clear that freedom isn’t free. It comes at a high price. Thank God so many millions of Americans have been willing to pay that price.

Let there be no doubt about the valor of veterans who rest in our nation’s cemeteries at home and abroad, and to the veterans who are still making contributions to our society.

This newsletter provides information and resources for useful for Michigan's military veterans and their families. Please click here to view the newsletter.

Thank you for your time and if I can ever be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me.