Honoring those who gave the most

By U.S. Representative Gary Peters
Monday, May 31, 2010

Fifty-five years ago this month, American soldiers brought to an end a murderous empire whose evil ideology threatened freedom everywhere.

Our victory in Europe over Nazi Germany was not pre-ordained; it was achieved with the outstanding bravery and sacrifice of an entire generation.

My father served our country in World War II, helping turn the tide of history in Europe. He and others like him came home and helped build the stronger America we enjoy today.

This Memorial Day, we remember the thousands who never made it home.

Today we pay solemn tribute to those who laid down their lives at Lexington and Concord and the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg.

We remember those who fell across sands of Iraq, in the jungles of Vietnam, and on the waters of the Pacific.

We bow our heads and cover our hearts as a small gesture of gratitude to those Americans who made the supreme sacrifice to protect our liberty.

Today, as we fight two wars in two dangerous regions, I am so proud of our brave men and women in uniform and I believe we must provide them every advantage and protection.

Having served 12 years in the Navy Reserve I know firsthand that the men and women who serve our country represent our nation’s best and they deserve nothing less.

We make this day sacred each year so that we may remember.

Today, let us remember those who gave the most we could have ever asked of them, and their children, their families, the husbands and wives who love them and miss them.

Their courage is the reason we are able to spend time with our families, to be free, and to live in the greatest nation in the world.

My family joins yours in honoring those who have fallen in service to America.

Happy Memorial Day,
Gary