Like many of you, my heart has broken – repeatedly – in recent weeks. A couple weeks ago, we witnessed the murder of ten Black Americans at a grocery store in Buffalo. Last week, we witnessed the murder of nineteen students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. For all of us, the specter that our neighborhoods, our families, our schools could be the target of wanton violence is a burden. In too many neighborhoods, killings are a fact of life, and the murders don’t make national news.
Our country has much work to do in ending gun violence. I ran for this office in part because I had grown frustrated at the paralysis on basic, commonsense measures that can combat gun violence such as background checks and “Red Flag” laws. I am proud to have made progress in Virginia but also know that it’s nowhere near enough. We must get beyond sloganeering and bring together people from multiple perspectives to make these tragedies a thing of our past. I remain committed to continuing that work alongside you.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I’ll be heading up to West Point for my annual stint teaching International Relations to cadets who will be commissioned officers in one or two years. As I wander the halls, I contemplate those I knew there and elsewhere in my career, who are no longer with us. I remember them, frozen in time, many in their twenties for eternity. I remember those who the wars killed cruelly after they returned home from substance abuse and suicide. I miss them all and hope you will think of them and the others who have sacrificed after taking an oath to serve. I am thankful to have called them comrades in arms. For fear of being overly somber, I also know that they would have celebrated the long weekend and enjoyed the time with family and friends were they still here – certainly they did when they were alive! So I hope you enjoy your weekend. And as I teach my cadets this year, I’ll pray that Fortune smiles on them and keeps them safe through their careers.
Connecting with the Community
These past weeks leading up to Memorial Day have been extremely busy. First, a huge congratulations to the Lake Braddock Secondary School girls’ gymnastics team for winning the Virginia High School League Class 6 state championship! I’m incredibly proud of these Bruins gymnasts and all their hard work leading up to this accomplishment.
Last Friday evening, in the wake of the Buffalo and California shootings, I stood in solidarity against hate in all forms at the Unity Vigil in Prince William County. We must continue to do everything in our power to fight gun violence and xenophobia. Now is not the time to be silent.
I had a wonderful time visiting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for the 10th annual Korean Bell Garden celebration. The ceremony honored the Bell of Peace and Harmony in one of our Fairfax County parks, cast by one of the best bell makers in Korea combining Virginian and Korean imagery using a centuries-old technique. If you’ve never been to Meadowlark Botanical Garden, I encourage you to visit this beautiful spot. Thank you all who put this incredible event together. It was a great way to spend a sunny day in Northern Virginia.
This legislative session, I had the opportunity to recognize and honor small businesses in the community. One of our 40th District neighbors, Rosa, recently opened a small business specializing in vegan treats here in Northern Virginia, and we were thrilled to present a commending resolution in her honor. Our community – and taste buds – are thankful for Rosa’s incredible work in making delicious vegan baked goods more accessible. I especially loved the donuts. You can learn more about them here as well as read more about Rosa’s business in our February 20th Helmer Happenings.
Sal and the Ciao Osteria team’s selfless efforts during the pandemic helped feed nurses, firefighters, and others on the frontline of the pandemic during the heights of the COVID-19 crisis. Our resolution could not be more well-deserved by this dedicated and talented team; thank you for your work and contributions to our community. You can learn more about Ciao Osteria’s food and work here.
I also enjoyed spending time with the Springfield Democrats at their annual Blue BBQ. Thank you for the invitation and the excellent companionship.
During our legislative session this year, I was proud to join my colleague, Delegate Irene Shin, in her trailblazing efforts to formally recognize November 22nd as Kimchi Day by the Commonwealth of Virginia. I was glad to come together with community to honor this milestone last week – the company was great, the food was delicious, and I was proud to celebrate this staple of Korean cuisine. Thank you Delegate Shin and the Gimga Group for the invitation and hosting this meaningful event.
I hope you have a meaningful Memorial Day among family and friends.