I always say that when someone joins the military, it’s not just a job – it’s a family commitment to our country. This is especially true for the husbands and wives whose spouse made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield fighting for freedom.

This Gold Star Spouses Day, we honor the lives of those who gave their last breath for us and remember the pain their spouses continue to endure living life without them. Their tragic experience makes them intimately aware of the sacrifice servicemembers make in order to preserve our freedoms. I am proud to have a Gold Star Fellow in my Spokane office to help us provide support and services to the thousands of widows and survivors of fallen military members.

Today and every day, Gold Star spouses deserve all the love and respect we can give them. To all of those who have lost their precious spouse in service to the United States, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I vow to never forget your family’s sacrifice and pray God continues to watch over you and bring you peace.