Guinta to Help Dedicate Global War on Terror Memorial

MANCHESTER, NH - On Memorial Day, U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, R-NH, will visit a ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, where he will help to dedicate a new memorial to Granite State service men and women who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a press statement. He will also walk in the Manchester Memorial Day Parade.

“Remembering brave Granite Staters who died defending our state and country is my highest honor as a U.S. Congressman. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion that also reminds Americans to enjoy our God-given freedom, for which friends, family, and even complete strangers, have given their lives,” he said.

Guinta introduced the Honor our Fallen Heroes Act, which would remove a Veterans Administration technicality to allow Pam Rogers, his constituent in Exeter, to bury her Civil War ancestor with full honors. After failing to locate the Union soldier’s grave, and discovering he might be eligible for one in a U.S. military cemetery, Rogers contacted Guinta for help, leading to their partnership.

This week, Guinta voted for bills that improve oversight at VA hospitals, expand daily care for disabled veterans, and support family caregivers. Previously, he has introduced legislation to protect the Veterans Choice Card program, which expanded vets’ choice of care to private providers, and to lift restrictions. Rep. Guinta cosponsored the Hire More Heroes Act, a bill that removes Obamacare regulations to encourage businesses to hire more vets, and holds job fairs to increase their employment opportunities.

Manchester’s former mayor said that helping today’s vets is a way to honor past generations. “While we reflect on Granite Staters’ service and sacrifice, we must redouble our efforts to reform an antiquated federal system that often poorly serves their brothers-in-arms,” he said. “And we must supply our troops with the tools they need to overcome any obstacle. Memorial Day is a reminder of that duty.”

Guinta recently voted for the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017, authorizing defense spending. After a series of reductions, it increases troop numbers, their pay, and funds to repair vehicles and equipment, among other national security priorities.

Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts of Nashua will deliver the Keynote Address at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery on Monday. Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte, and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster are scheduled to attend the event.

Submitted by Brendan Thomas