America comes alive during the month of July, celebrating its independence with festivals, fireworks, and backyard barbeques. These traditions are one way to thank all the men and women in our Armed Forces who sacrificed so much so we can enjoy the benefits of freedom.

While there is much to celebrate this Independence Day, we must never forget our brave men and women fighting overseas. Arkansans have done their part to protect our freedom, contributing heavily to the war effort since the conflict began. Our State alone has roughly 300 currently soldiers overseas, 1,700 pending deployment, and has deployed as many as 8,000 since September 11, 2001. As we pray for their safe return, we must also mourn the lives of the more than 2,800 servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the War on Terror including the 34 brave Arkansans killed in action. Although we can never repay these fallen heroes for their bravery and dedication, we can do our best to ensure their legacy is not forgotten.

Several months ago, one of my constituents in Searcy County contacted me with a great idea on how America can thank these military heroes. He encouraged me to introduce legislation requiring every government building to display the American flag at half-staff when a member of the U.S. Armed Forces is killed in the line of duty. This idea is an appropriate way to pay our respect to America's military and ensure that we never forget the loss that comes with freedom. 

I am grateful to my friend in Searcy County for passing on this wonderful idea, and am proud to have introduced a resolution in Congress this past week. The measure encourages the President to issue an executive order requiring all government buildings to display the American flag at half-staff for any fallen member of our Armed Services. By enacting this legislation, we can ensure that America has a visual reminder of our men and women in uniform who are serving their country thousands of miles from home. I hope my colleagues will join me in this effort so that every time we see the American flag flying at half-staff over a federal office building, a post office, or even a national park, we never forget the tremendous sacrifice that makes this country great.  

As we enjoy the summer festivities surrounding Independence Day, I encourage all Americans to keep these brave men and women in uniform in your prayers. America has a long tradition of military service dating back more than 200 years, with many stories of great soldiers and airmen who gave their lives on the battlefield. Whether it's a flag flying at half-staff or a 4^th of July parade, I hope everyone takes the time this holiday to pause and remember the men and women in uniform we have come to know as the bravest figures in American history.

May God bless our troops, their families, and every American on this important Independence Day holiday.