Memorial Day
Take the time to remember

***image1***Each Memorial Day, Americans set aside time to remember and pay homage to the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen heroes. These brave young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines dedicated their last full measure of devotion to service before self in order to preserve our freedom.

From the Civil War to today’s military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, these brothers, fathers, sisters and mothers laid down their lives not only for the future of Americans and their families, but to provide freedom and a better way of life for those around the world.

Still today, across the European landscape, you will find proof of the carnage of two world wars. Not far from here in St. Avold, France, is the final resting place for 10,489 U.S. military members who died fighting to liberate that country during World War II. The seemingly endless rows of white headstones, each representing one of our selfless patriots, serve as a reminder of the enormity of America’s loss to ensure freedom on the European continent.

Each year across Europe, our friends and allies join us in memorial services over the Memorial Day weekend to pay homage to the memories of America’s heroes. I encourage you to take advantage of the unique opportunity to attend one of these ceremonies.

Above all else – please take the time to reflect and remember. Those that have so bravely gone before us lit the torch. It’s our responsibility to cherish our freedom and remember what the flame means as we proudly carry it on.