On Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives so we can be the land of the free and the home of the brave. Throughout our history, the members of our armed forces have fought to establish a nation, to preserve our union, to defend democracy and defeat tyranny on distant shores. They are our heroes; they reflect the best of the American people. ?

Some of our men and women in uniform lost their lives on the battlefield, never to return to the country they served; others fought valiantly, and came safely home. All were defined by their courage and their bravery, their dedication to duty and their devotion to our country. Each generation of soldiers is bound together by this tradition; each has made our nation safer, our families more secure.

?This legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of parents and friends, sisters and brothers, children and neighbors – indeed, all Americans cherish their service and sacrifice. It can be summed up in the words inscribed on the wall of Baltimore's Memorial Stadium when I was growing up, ‘Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.'

?In Congress, we must continue to ensure that the deeds of our service members are remembered in the actions of our lawmakers; we must treat every day as Memorial Day. And we will continue to uphold our solemn pledge: just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind at home.