A Legislative Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
Each year on Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our nation. It’s a day of reflection—not just on their sacrifice, but on the enduring principles they died protecting: liberty, justice and the American way of life. This is not just a day off. It is a solemn reminder that freedom is never free. It has been purchased time and again by patriots willing to pay the ultimate price—on battlefields near and far, in every generation. As your representative in the State Assembly, I carry a deep responsibility to honor that sacrifice not just in word, but in deed. That’s why I’ve fought to advance legislation supporting our veterans—measures to ease their transition home, recognize their service and eliminate needless red tape that too often stands in the way of benefits they’ve earned. I’ve introduced bills to increase civil service credits for returning service members, expand opportunities in competitive exams and eliminate unnecessary fees for veteran license plates. These are small steps, but they are meaningful ones designed to show our veterans and their families that their service is not forgotten. Let this Memorial Day be more than just a tradition—let it be a reminder of our shared duty to those who gave everything. To our Gold Star families, your sacrifice humbles us. We will always remember your loved ones—not only with ceremonies and salutes but by continuing to build a country worthy of their service. I hope you’ll join me this weekend in taking a moment of silence, attending a local ceremony and teaching the next generation what Memorial Day truly means. Let us live each day with the gratitude and purpose worthy of those who gave their all. May God bless our fallen heroes, their families and the United States of America. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official website.
