Memorial Day Statement

Since I announced my decision to run for office, I’ve seen a change in how people react to me. There is a deep cynicism towards politics and politicians, and given the lies and hypocrisy and corruption and scandal over the past decades, the initial mistrust and skepticism towards what a politician says is something that I can understand. And so I hope that my following words are taken not as something being said for political gain, but as words that come straight from my heart, because they do.

The bravest and most courageous act I can imagine is the willingness to put one’s life on the line for something larger than oneself. My heroes—the men and women who help guide me as I march forward with my life—are largely comprised of those who shared this trait. Martin Luther King Jr. knew that by fighting for freedom and equality he was risking his life; the night before he was slain he stated, “longevity has its place, but I’m not worried about that now.” Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for a cause greater than himself. Gandhi was beaten, arrested, and continually had to face threats of mortal violence to see the boot of colonialism lifted from his nation and his people. Gandhi gave his life for a cause greater than himself.

Day after day, our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and those in the coast guard, exhibit this same willingness to risk their lives for something greater than themselves—for the United States of America. And while we may not know the names of each one like we know the names Gandhi and King, we honor them as heroes just the same. We are forever indebted to the men and women who have given their lives and risked their lives to protect our freedom, our liberty, our democracy, and our American dream.

And with them, I honor the military families that continue to live with the loss of a loved one. While I have friends and family that have served in the uniform, I do not know the pain of having a loved one serve in a war zone—the worry and anxiety and fear that accompanies each day they are gone. The families who must live knowing that a piece of their heart has been forever sacrificed for this great nation inspire me with their courage each and every day.

If given the opportunity to represent Maryland’s 5th District in the House of Representatives, I pledge to do everything I can to honor the memory of the men and women lost in service to our country in my work; to ensure that current and future members of the military are never unnecessarily placed in harms way, and to see that the American dream lives on in perpetuity.

Today I stand with all Americans and honor those that have sacrificed their lives for our country and the sacrifices of their families.

Andrew Gall
Democratic Candidate for Congress (MD-05)
www.andrewforcongress.org