Saluting our servicemembers — today and everyday

For many Delawareans, Memorial Day is a time to celebrate the start of the summer season. With backyard barbeques and trips to Delaware’s five-star beaches, this long weekend is a welcome opportunity to spend time with family, friends and neighbors. 

As we celebrate summer, we also remember the brave men and women who have made these celebrations possible. Honoring our fallen heroes, and saluting the service of our veterans and current servicemembers and their families, is a tradition we must never forget.

Later this year, Delaware’s military history and the sacrifices we have made alongside so many others will be honored with the launching of the USS Delaware, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. As a 23-year veteran of the Navy and Naval Reserves, serving as a P-3 aircraft mission commander, I spent years tracking submarines just like the USS Delaware, and I know what an honor it is to have this incredible vessel named for our state. 

Adding the USS Delaware to our military family will continue our centuries-long tradition of excellence that continues to be displayed by our world-class airmen and women at Dover Air Force Base, our citizen-soldiers in the Delaware Army and Air National Guard, our Coast Guard contingent at Indian River Inlet and our 73,000 veterans who call the First State home. 

I hope you’ll take a moment today to watch my Memorial Day message and join me in honoring the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers and saying “Thank You” to all of our veterans in Delaware and around the world. 

Happy Memorial Day and God bless America.