Granger Addresses Iraq War Veterans; Gold and Blue Star Families
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) spoke to over 220 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans from 43 states and over 350 Gold and Blue Star Families who traveled to Washington to show their support for our troops in Iraq and their mission. The event, organized by Vets for Freedom, was held at the Upper Senate park at 3 p.m. and was a bi-partisan event.
“I thanked the veterans for their service and their steadfastness. They really are the best America has to offer,” said Granger. “It’s because of their sacrifice that we have the ability to experience the freedoms we do.”
Also speaking at the event was Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Joe Liberman (D-CT), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), Executive Director of Vets for Freedom Pete Hegseth and Families United President Merillee Carlson. Over a dozen other Members of Congress attended the event as well.
Granger spoke with Gold and Blue Star Family Members who told her about the loved ones they have lost (Gold Star families are families who have lost a son or daughter in our nation’s wars and Blue Star families are those who currently have a son or daughter fighting on the battlefield) and reiterated their commitment to the mission in Iraq. One Gold Star family member thanked Granger for supporting the troops and the mission and said “[the soldiers] all want to go back, that’s what [the anti-war protestors] don’t get. Please do the right thing [and stay until we win in Iraq].”
Granger, the Republican Conference Vice Chair, encouraged Members this week to come to the event to show their support for our nation’s veterans and their families.
“This was a great opportunity to go over to the Senate Park and simply say ‘thank you’ -- thank you to the families and to the veterans for what they do and for their service,” said Granger.
Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts.
Granger sits on the Appropriations Committee and serves on the Energy and Water Development, Homeland Security and Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittees. Granger is the first and only female Republican to serve in the Texas House delegation. Granger represents the 12th District of Texas and is currently serving her sixth term in Congress.