WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today urged Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie to reverse a decision that would restrict those who wish to pay their respects to fallen heroes on Memorial Day. Specifically, the VA’s decision would prohibit the public from attending wreath laying ceremonies and from volunteering as groups for the traditional placement of American flags at gravesites.

“With many parts of our country now in the process of a phased re-opening, I find it appalling that beaches will be open for the holiday but that access to VA cemeteries will remain restricted,” Mast wrote in the letter. “We are blessed beyond words to be citizens of the greatest country on Earth. Restricting Memorial Day ceremonies and preventing the tradition of volunteers placing our beautiful flag on each grave flies in the face of the freedoms that so many have died to protect.”

The full letter is attached.

###