Patriots Day 9/11 Rememberance

This July, Democrats Abroad Spain proudly launched the Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus, uniting Americans across our chapters to honor those who served, defend our values, and build a stronger civic community abroad. From Rota to Madrid, Seville to Valencia, we celebrate not just Independence Day, but the enduring spirit of Americans overseas who are mobilizing to protect democracy, through action, service, and solidarity.

To be a patriotic American abroad in 2025 is to live at the intersection of loyalty and responsibility. This year, our July 4th celebrations honored that balance, uplifting military families, organizing voter outreach, and standing together in defense of our shared future. These efforts are not isolated; they are threads in the same fabric: fighting for access, inclusion, and justice for all Americans, no matter where they live.

We also recognize critical policy advancements. The introduction of H.R. 439 is a vital step forward in that it would mandate that the VA provide complete medical coverage to eligible veterans rated 100% permanent and totally disabled. The bill also requires modernization of reimbursements, real-time digital tracking, and mobile support for veterans living outside the U.S. Its progress is only a beginning. Full implementation will require vigilance and continued engagement.

Simultaneously, the VMF Global Caucus has submitted a resolution on to preserve and protect Pershing Hall, the historic veterans’ center in Paris. Once a gathering place for WWI and WWII veterans, its transformation into a luxury commercial space is a profound loss. We call on the VA to restore at least part of this iconic space for veterans’ use, and for the National Park Service to designate it as a National Historic Landmark.

With the launch of the VMF Spain Caucus, we renew our pledge: No Veteran, No Family, will be left behind. As we look ahead to the fall, we urge all Americans in Spain to stay involved. Civic engagement is how we defend democracy—and how we ensure our stories, our service, and our votes continue to shape the nation we love.

Our global VMF Chair encourages U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, to check their voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.

The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,300 members located in dozens of countries. We will be sending additional information into how to join our Caucus, membership, GOTV efforts, and volunteer initiatives you can join, Please stay connected.

For more information, Please contact our DA Spain Chair, Andrew Anderson at: [email protected] or, [email protected].

Would you like to join our TEAM?
Please join us Thursday, September 11, 7-9:30 PM, at the Irish Rover.

RSVP below.

Respectfully,
Lucia J.Perez Crespo Hernansaiz
DA Spain VMF Chair

WHEN

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 07:00 PM Madrid Time

WHERE

The Irish Rover
Avenida del Brazil 7
Madrid 28020
Spain
Google map and directions

CONTACT

Lucia J. Perez Crespo Hernansaiz

3 RSVPs