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IAVA Executive Director on the Meaning of Memorial Day
Posted by Michelle McCarthy on May 22 2009

Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, issued the following statement on the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday:

"Even after almost eight years of war, too many Americans see Memorial Day as just another summer holiday.  Memorial Day should mean much more than barbeques and clearance sales.  It marks a solemn day of remembrance for the more than one million American service members of all generations who, on the field of battle, made the ultimate sacrifice," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "IAVA is honored to join our Commander-in-Chief, other veterans' organizations, and families of the fallen in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. We are humbled to have this opportunity to pay our respects to the generations of Americans warriors who have given their lives in defense of our country."

In addition to participating in events nationwide, IAVA has created an online 'Wall of Remembrance' where people can submit what Memorial Day means to them, or text or tweet a message of support to our troops and veterans. For more information on the Memorial Day events IAVA will be participating in or to visit the Wall of Remembrance, click here.

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