(TRENTON) – Responding to comments made by New Jersey Senator Chris Brown and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson at a Veterans Day event in Atlantic City on Wednesday, Assemblyman John Armato (D-Atlantic) released the following statement:
“Veterans Day is meant to honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our country and our freedom. It should never, under any circumstances, be used to make politically charged statements.
“As a veteran, it really struck a nerve to see two elected officials from Atlantic County choose to bring politics into an event meant to celebrate our country’s heroes. Americans share many differences and at times we feel deeply divided, but we stand unified in our gratitude for our veterans. I’m shocked that anyone would choose to make such divisive comments at a moment they should have been paying tribute to our noble veterans. Every person that serves our country deserves respect, regardless of race or gender.
“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible sacrifice veterans make to protect our democracy. I’ve seen how they continue to serve their county and communities long after they hang up their uniform. They put their politics aside when it comes to honoring and defending our nation. These two elected officials stand to learn a lesson from them.”