Statement From Candidate Lee Zeldin

MASTIC, NY (05/26/2008)(readMedia)-- The Republican candidate for New York's First Congressional District, Army veteran Lee Zeldin, today issued the following statement in honor of Memorial Day:

Each summer on Eastern Long Island, Memorial Day is special because it marks a rebirth, the start of a new season.

We're fortunate to have so much to celebrate during the summer, with beautiful scenery, great communities and the world's best beaches. But without freedom, all that means nothing.

Through our nation's history, so many young, brave men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, giving their lives for this great nation.

In recent years, 30 Long Islanders have joined the ranks of those who sacrificed everything in service to our country and we should take great pride in remembering our local heroes.

These heroes underscore the importance of providing our troops with the ammunition, supplies and equipment necessary to execute their mission. Our leaders in Congress have so many other issues in front of them, they should treat our wartime military with dignity and cease both patronage and adding unrelated legislation to defense appropriations bills. To add further insult to the manner in which tax dollars are being wasted, Congress is taking a week's vacation for Memorial Day.

In closing, I'll ask for two things. One-enjoy yourself. We are all so fortunate to have this great weather and a day to spend time with our families with some backyard barbeques. Second, and most important, never forget the meaning of the day.

-30-

Zeldin served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. The Shirley resident studied at the University at Albany, graduated from Albany Law School, and earned his commission through Army ROTC. He was a paratrooper, prosecutor and magistrate with the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. In the summer of 2006, he was a JAG attorney deployed to Iraq. He is currently an attorney at Raiser & Kenniff on Long Island.

For more information on Lee’s campaign please visit us at www.zeldin08.com

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress