For 70 years, members of the New York state government have invited members of the prestigious West Point Academy to Albany for a day of honor and respect. Tuesday marked the 71st West Point Day. It emphasized the relationship between our military and civilian leaders and the trust and respect they have for one another. This relationship allows our military and government to smoothly run alongside one another.

West Point is a crucial institution in the formation of robust military leadership for the U.S. These men and women have committed to risking their well-being in order to protect and serve our great nation and secure our future. Their sacrifice is what allows us to sit inside the chamber at the Capitol and make policies that improve everyone's lives.

That is why I vow to continue to fight to pass policies to protect our troops at home and abroad. Too often those who return home after foreign wars are left to struggle. Veterans have undergone the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to stay home and utilize our freedom while they fight to protect it. The least we can do in return is craft policies that protect and support these people when they return from the horrors of war.

As a Vietnam War veteran, I understand the experience of war and the struggles that come along with it. These men and women cannot be left to try to pick up the pieces of their lives after their return home. We need continued support systems for those who have supported our freedom.

April 9 marks West Point Day this year. However, this does not mean we should withdraw our support and respect because this date has passed. April 10 does not mean we forget about them and continue with our lives. We need continued support, recognition, and respect for our military leaders as they continue their careers; without them our freedom and our democracy would not exist.