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I wanted to focus on the
importance of remembering the service of our veterans and for the freedoms
they have fought and died for. Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of
the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and their families. Many may
not know, but this day was first observed nationwide in 1868 to honor the
soldiers who died in the Civil War. While it was known as Decoration Day
back then, 140 years later we still honor those who have fallen while
serving to protect our country and the values we hold dear.
It is a day that we along with millions of Americans throughout the United
States show appreciation and respect to our American men and women who
bravely have served our nation in the Armed Forces. With out the hard work
and sacrifice of these men and women; the United States would be a very
different country. Regardless of the political opinions that we hold or
which political party, if any we might choose to support we need to thank
our servicemen and women. After all it is important to remember on this
Memorial Day that without the sacrifices of so many we would not have the
freedom to express our political views or the freedom to disagree with
particular government policies.
To me, this day serves not only as a day of remembrance, but as a reminder
of our commitment to veterans and their families to provide the best
possible care and services that we can. Memorial Day is a special time to
honor those who’ve sacrificed their time and talent, their own dreams and
their safety, to fight for our freedom and for the freedom of our country’s
principals throughout the world. I encourage you to attend one of the many
events our communities are holding to mark the moment - but I also encourage
you to try to remember servicemen and women and pay tribute to their
selflessness each and every day.
This Memorial Day, I urge you to bring back the tradition of Decoration Day
and take time to visit a cemetery and place flags or flowers on Veterans'
graves, visit a War Memorial, attend a parade in honor of our nation’s
fallen heroes, or wear a red poppy to honor those who fell in service to our
country. Remember, to take your children with you to share with them the
pride of our great nation and our gratitude to those who fought and died to
keep us free.
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