Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

Remember Our Veterans This Memorial Day

In the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln called on Americans to complete the unfinished task of ensuring that liberty “shall not perish from the earth.”  Those words have guided America through trying times, and they guide her still.

We have never wavered in our commitment to freedom, nor to help those who seek to be free.  America has fought two World Wars for freedom.  We have fought in Korea and Vietnam for freedom.  We have fought a Cold War for freedom.  And we fought in Desert Storm for freedom.  Currently, our brave soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are engaged in a battle against tyranny, oppression, and terror.  Not only are they fighting for our freedom and safety, but they are working to ensure the freedom and safety of those around the world. 

On this Memorial Day, let us remember the more than one million men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom since the creation of our country.  Let us take time to remember the millions of soldiers who have been wounded in the line of duty.  And let us remember our soldiers currently fighting in the War on Terror, and applaud their service.   
 
To honor our fallen heroes, and give thanks to our veterans still with us, Americans from around the nation are participating in a National Moment of Remembrance.  I’m asking everyone in our area to participate.  At 3pm on May 30, 2005, please pause for one minute of remembrance and reflection to honor our heroes. 
 
On the Korean Memorial in Washington there is an inscription that states “Freedom is not Free.”  No one knows this better than those who fought for freedom.  And no one deserves our thanks and appreciation more.  Please take the time this Memorial Day to thank our veterans for what they have done. 

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