Dear Friend,

Today, we express our gratitude to our fallen heroes and send love and support to their families.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. This day remains recognized as one of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country and a moment to honor the nearly 18 million US veterans alive today.

Last year, our team hosted a panel discussion with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, the Orange County Veterans’ Services team, and the Legal Aid Society of Orange County to discuss programs available to Florida veterans and their families.

You can watch the full thirty-minute segment here.

I believe firmly in honoring those who are no longer with us through action, and we do so every day by supporting veterans with access to their benefits, finding a good job and affordable housing, and breaking the stigma that surrounds both mental health and sexual trauma.

I invite you to attend Orange County’s War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony this morning. More details are available here.

With gratitude, 

Rep. Anna V. Eskamani