A Statement From NYS Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

As a veteran I wear four names on my wrist every day -- they are the names of my fallen brothers who did not return from Afghanistan, so Memorial Day is obviously very personal to me. 

The offensive suggestion by the Governor that we fly flags at half-staff in honor of our front line workers on Memorial Day weekend would effectively dilute the one time a year that we stop to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. While I certainly respect and appreciate our front line workers for all they’ve done, there is no shortage of days the Governor could choose to pay tribute to them. 

If the Governor needs a better grasp of the true meaning of Memorial Day, I suggest he talk to a Gold Star mother or take a stroll through Arlington National Cemetery to gain a better understanding. 

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