Statement by Chairman McCaul in observation of Memorial Day

Chairman McCaul: "Today, as we commemorate the bravest of Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms we hold so dear, we are surrounded by a world that has become increasingly volatile. It is fueled by extremist elements that fill the power vacuums created by uprisings and toppled regimes, in far-away lands such as Libya, Egypt and Syria. Their hatred now circles the globe at the speed of the Internet. Make no mistake: America remains at war with this radical ideology. And as we saw in Boston, in Benghazi, at Fort Hood, and in numerous other plots against Americans, our enemies are committed to their cause.

"America’s Armed Forces are our first and best line of defense against our enemies abroad. This morning I am proud to speak at the Veterans Memorial Park in Smithville where a statue of an angel will be dedicated to the lives of seven fallen heroes with ties to Bastrop County. Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, Jr., Lance Cpl. Cody R. Stanley, Captain Joshua Meadows, Specialist Joshua Ray Farris, Pfc. Tina Marie Priest, Chief Petty Officer Matthew Mills of Navy SEAL Team 6, and Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Altman, each passed away between 2006 and 2011. To every man and woman who has donned the uniform, and to your families, we thank you for your service and your sacrifice. No less than our freedoms and our Constitutional Democracy are in your hands."

Chairman McCaul delivered formal remarks at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Park in Smithville, Texas.

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