Shenango Valley News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania has announced his support for the bipartisan "Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act." The legislation, led by Representatives Ryan Zinke, Mike Thompson, David Valadao, and Donald Davis, aims to allow individuals to lay flowers on the graves of fallen heroes who are interred at American military cemeteries overseas through the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) jurisdiction.

Under the proposed bill, a user-friendly website and payment system that accepts credit cards will be created, making it easier for people to order flowers and find reasonably priced vendors near the gravesites. The ABMC will also be urged to market the program and submit a yearly report to Congress on its progress.

Rep. Kelly expressed his support for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He said, "1.5 million Americans have died for this great country. This legislation allows us to take one more step to honor their service, their families, and their lives."

Rep. Zinke, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, highlighted the significance of helping families honor their loved ones who have laid their lives down for the United States. He stated, "We're talking about troops that have laid their lives down on the other side of the world so we can live in freedom here in the United States. There's no way to fully repay those folks for their sacrifices, but we can help their families honor them with a few simple changes here at home."

Rep. Thompson, another lead sponsor, emphasized that all Americans should show gratitude and recognition for the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice. He said, "Our servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country earned the gratitude and recognition of all Americans, regardless of where the servicemembers are buried."

The Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act aims to ensure the availability of the flower program in the long term, providing a way for loved ones and all Americans to pay tribute and honor veterans. It will also formalize the ABMC's flower ordering program and establish a user-friendly website and telephone ordering system.

The ABMC, which was established by an Act of Congress in 1928, is responsible for maintaining America's overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials. They currently operate 26 American military cemeteries and 31 federal memorials in 17 foreign countries. In 2015, the ABMC ended the Flower Fund program, leaving families and friends of fallen servicemembers to navigate the process of securing and laying flowers on their own.

The Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act has received organizational support from various groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Honor Flight Network, among others.

With the bipartisan support behind the Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act, it is expected to make a positive impact by making it easier for Americans to honor fallen heroes buried in American military cemeteries overseas.