“Freedom is not free – it comes at incredible cost. Since our founding, millions of brave Americans have gone into harm’s way so that we could enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity. Called on by their country, acting out of patriotism and in the most dangerous of circumstances, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have demonstrated extraordinary courage in defending our country and the principles of democracy that we hold dear. They left behind their families, their friends, and their hopes and dreams—some never to return home to them ever again.

 

“From Bunker Hill to Berlin to Baghdad, American troops have died to liberate millions from the forces of tyranny. They’ve stared evil in the eyes and stood for all that is good in the world. They’ve overcome obstacles and defied impossible odds. Even in death, their service brought light to places of darkness and despotism. Because of their heroism, their sacrifices have reverberated throughout the ages.

 

“We must also remember the families of the fallen who are left to carry on after—as President Lincoln said—‘having laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.’ 

 

“Though there is much I love about being a United States Congressman, I never feel smaller or more inadequate than when I take a pen in hand to write to the loved ones of a fallen hero from the Fifth Congressional District. I tell them I wish there was something profound I could say to ease the pain of their loss. There is not. I cannot feel their pain; I do not know their sacrifice. I do not know if we will ever know why, but what I do know—without a doubt—is that my 10 year-old daughter and 8 year-old son will sleep in a more safe and more free America tonight because of their bravery and sacrifice.

 

“On this Memorial Day, my thoughts are on those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and my prayers of comfort are with their families. The Americans who die fighting for our country deserve the solemn gratitude of each and every one of their fellow citizens. Our devotion to their memory must be as boundless and endless as their devotion was to us.”

 

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