As we observe Memorial Day this weekend, please take time to thank many of our fellow Americans who have fought and died to defend our country. Their steadfast courage reminds us that the United States is truly an exceptional nation. We honor America's fallen heroes so that their sacrifices to keep us safe are never forgotten.

"The United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace -- a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation."

President Ronald Reagan

I also wanted to take this opportunity to update you on upcoming ceremonies this Memorial Day weekend and highlight some of our legislative initiatives at the General Assembly that may be of particular interest to veterans, our military members, their families and supporters.

Over the past four years, we have all worked with Governor McDonnell, and the many Veterans around the Commonwealth to make Virginia a very veteran friendly state.

During the 2012 General Assembly Session, I introduced HB 548 at the suggestion of a George Mason University employee to require higher educational institutions to implement policies that help provide accommodations for students called to active military duty to complete their college degrees. This bill was passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate and went into effect on July 1, 2012.

I've also included a brief summary of bills below which I supported and were passed to support the Joint Leadership Council's and Board of Veterans Services' Legislative Objectives during the 2013 General Assembly Session:

• HB2175 - Delegate Cox (R66): This bill authorizes the Governor to request federal funds for a Veterans Care Center and requires the State Treasurer to issue a short-term loan for the state share, 35 percent, if the US Veterans Administration determines federal funds will be allocated.
• HB1461 - Delegate Lingamfelter (R31): This bill clarifies eligibility for in-state tuition for current and former military personnel and their dependents.
• HB1906 - Delegate Anderson (R51): This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to develop a comprehensive program to reduce veteran unemployment.
• HJ551 - Delegate Ramadan (R87): This constitutional amendment extends the real property tax exemption for spouses of military personnel killed in action.

Memorial Day Events

Monday, May 27, 2013

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION: McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean, Virginia 22101

Monday, May 27, 2013

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION: 9830 Georgetown Pike

National Memorial Day Concert

Sunday, May 26, 2013

TIME: Concert begins at 8:00 p.m., Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

EVENT DETAILS: PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. The concert will also air on PBS on May 26th.

Click here for more information.

National Memorial Day Concert (Airing on PBS May 26th)

National Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 27, 2013

TIME: Parade begins at 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Along Constitution Avenue

EVENT DETAILS: The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

Arlington National Cemetery Wreath Laying Ceremony

Monday, May 27, 2013

TIME: Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia 22211

EVENT DETAILS: A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.

Viva Vienna Festival

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - Monday, May 27, 2013

TIME: 10:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. each day

LOCATION: Church Street in Vienna

EVENT DETAILS: The Rotary Club of Vienna sponsors the ViVa! Vienna! event, which celebrates the unity and strength of the Vienna community and honors Memorial Day. This event, a time of family fun and pleasure, serves as a major fund raising opportunity for the Rotary Club so that it may, in turn, provide support for charitable, educational and community groups.

ViVa! Vienna! is complete with amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment - fun for all ages! Vendors include handcraft artisans, retail vendors, professionals, political parties and candidates, and community and non-profit organizations. 50,000 guests and over 300 vendors are expected to attend. The event will take place Saturday May 25th- Monday, May 27th from 10:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. For more information and festival updates, click here.

Sterling Volunteer Fire Company 11th Annual 9-1-1 5K Fun Run

Saturday, May 25, 2013

TIME: 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Lowes Island Community Center

47620 Saulty Drive

Sterling, Virginia 20165

I would also like to remind you of a sales tax holiday which begins this weekend, on Saturday, May 25, 2013 and runs through Friday, May 31, 2013.

This sales tax holiday offers you a chance to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season while getting a break on the sales tax. During this holiday, certain items including; batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits will be exempt. In addition, certain bigger-ticket items are also exempt, e.g., generators priced at $1,000 or less.

Virginia also has two additional sales tax holidays - one for school supplies and clothing in August, and one for Energy Star and WaterSense products in October. I will be sure to notify you of those sales tax holidays as they approach.

To view a full list of the items that are included in the sales tax holiday, answers to frequently asked questions and guidelines for consumers and retailers, click "Sales Tax Holiday"

Several prominent independent weather organizations have already predicted that the 2013 Hurricane Season is going to be busier than normal. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has provided you this LINK to their website so you can stay up to date on weather developments in our area.

While this is Hurricane Preparedness Week, the unfortunate and tragic events in Oklahoma demonstrate that severe weather can hit anywhere. These past several years here in the Commonwealth we have witnessed earthquakes, tornados, blizzards, floods and hurricanes that have caused extensive damage. Please take advantage of this sales tax holiday and be prepared for all emergencies.

I have an open door policy and always welcome you to contact my office if you have concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You can email me at [email protected] or call our office at 703-772-7168.

We are always working to improve our outreach and communication and make sure you receive information and we receive your input. Thank you for all that you do to make this such a wonderful community and please keep in touch.

Have a safe holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

Barbara Comstock