The Real Meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time when we come together and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to their country. Since its formal creation in 1971, Americans come together to honor the fallen by visiting cemeteries, memorials, or holding family gatherings to celebrate the freedom that was earned through sacrifice.
Our veterans have fought around the world, in places like Europe, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. These wars have helped preserve freedom and liberty around the world and at home and have kept us safe.
It is no secret that democracy and freedom have required sacrifices. Our men and women in uniform are the ones who make those sacrifices to keep us free, no matter the cost.
Words cannot fathom how our communities, families, and loved ones feel towards our fallen soldiers. They have given everything to make sure that we are free. We have all seen the stories on the news of fallen soldiers returning home and their entire community paying their respects to a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep them safe.
My husband, Curt, and I both have had the honor of serving our country in the United States Army. I feel the pain of so many veterans in remembering friends and family who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
I encourage every American to proudly fly an American flag to honor all those who have served and all those who have given their lives for their country. Their sacrifices have allowed us to keep our freedoms and remain the great country that we are today.
One of my greatest honors of serving in Congress is serving on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The experience and knowledge that I obtained serving in the Army have allowed me to be a voice for our armed forces and pass legislation to improve the lives of those who have served.
This path month the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, which I introduced with Senator Ernst, was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives and is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
This legislation awards the U.S. Army Ranger Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring the sacrifices they made to our country. The brave young men who served in the first Ranger Battalions served their country with honor and courage. The Congressional Gold Medal is the least we can do to honor the legacy of these heroes.
As a 24-year Army veteran, I am proud to honor the sacrifice that so many gave for our country. Thousands of lives were lost in the fight to defend our freedoms and we must never forget them.