As we celebrate a long weekend and the beginning of summer, I hope we all take time this weekend to truly remember what this holiday means.  All too often we get caught up in barbecues, golf, and spending time with the family that we forget what Memorial Day is all about.  The cost of freedom is a high one, but one that we as a nation have committed to.  Soldiers from Wisconsin have played a crucial role in the military history of America.

Arthur MacArthur Jr., at the age of 18 at the Battle of Missionary Ridge during the Civil War, rallied his men by planting the regimental colors on the crest of Missionary Ridge and shouted "On, Wisconsin!".  For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to the rank of Colonel at the age of 19 (later known nationally as "The Boy Colonel").  He later served as Military Governor of the Philippines, commanded the Department of the Pacific, and was the highest ranking officer in the Army at his retirement.  In total, 21 men from Wisconsin were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War.

Oscar Brookin of Byron, was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Spanish-American War for "extraordinary heroism on 1 July 1898, while serving with Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry, in action at El Caney, Cuba. Private Brookin gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy."

Clayton Slack, an Army Private from Plover serving during WWI, was awarded the Medal of Honor for single-handedly attacking an enemy position.  "Observing German soldiers under cover 50 yards away on the left flank, Pvt. Slack, upon his own initiative, rushed them with his rifle and, single-handed, captured 10 prisoners and 2 heavy-type machineguns, thus saving his company and neighboring organizations from heavy casualties."  John Siegel of Milwaukee was also awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I.

Richard Bong of Poplar served as a fighter pilot during WWII accumulated 40 "kills", becoming known as America's "Ace of Aces".  He would die while serving as a test pilot for America's first jet fighter, the P-80 Shooting Star.  For his heroism throughout the war, he was awarded 15 Air Medals, 7 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Silver Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Medal of Honor.  In total, 15 men from Wisconsin were awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II.

Melvin Handrich of Manawa was a veteran of WWII who re-enlisted just prior to the outbreak of the Korean War.  "M/Sgt. Handrich, despite the heavy enemy fire, voluntarily left the comparative safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward position where he could direct mortar and artillery fire upon the advancing enemy. He remained at this post for 8 hours directing fire against the enemy who often approached to within 50 feet of his position...With complete disregard for his safety, M/Sgt. Handrich rose to his feet and from this exposed position fired his rifle and directed mortar and artillery fire on the attackers...He perilously made his way across fire-swept terrain to the defense area where, by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. During the action M/Sgt. Handrich was severely wounded. Refusing to take cover or be evacuated, he returned to his forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Later a determined enemy attack overran M/Sgt. Handrich's position and he was mortally wounded. When the position was retaken, over 70 enemy dead were counted in the area he had so intrepidly defended."  Four others from Wisconsin were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Korean War.

Lance Sijan of Milwaukee was the first graduate of the Air Force Academy to be awarded the Medal of Honor.  Sijan was shot down over Vietnam on November 9, 1967.  After numerous attempts to save him, he called of the rescuers so that no one else would be put in harms way.  He evaded the enemy for 46 more days before being captured on Christmas Day.  He suffered extensive beatings and torture from his captors, but never gave up any information other than his name, rank, and service number.  In his weakened state, he contracted pneumonia and died on January 22, 1968 in Hanoi.  Today, his story is still used as the ultimate example of conduct should our soldiers be taken as a prisoner of war.  Five other men from Wisconsin were awarded the Medal of Honor for service during the Vietnam War. 

These men and countless others that have served in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard over the years are who we celebrate and honor this weekend.  Every day in America should be Memorial Day, but it is good we have this and other holidays throughout the year to bring it to the forefront. 

The court case here in Dane County regarding the alleged Open Meetings Law violation became front page news again this week.  Dane County Circuit Court Judge Sumi ruled the legislature was in violation of the law during a Conference Committee meeting before the final vote on the budget repair bill.  While an appeal is still coming, it is important to note that the law was not struck down on the legality of the legislation itself.

I wanted to provide you with the actual text of the open meetings law related to the legislature:

19.87 Legislative meetings. This subchapter shall apply to
all meetings of the senate and assembly and the committees, subcommittees
and other subunits thereof, except that:

(2) No provision of this subchapter which conflicts with a rule
of the senate or assembly or joint rule of the legislature shall apply
to a meeting conducted in compliance with such rule.

You then must look to the rules of the Assembly and Senate.

Senate/Assembly Rule 93 (3)
   (3) A notice of hearings before committees is not required other than posting on the legislative bulletin boards, and a schedule of committee activities need not be published.

Despite this rule, we still gave 1 hour notice, which is required under the Open Meetings Law for urgent meetings. 

I hope this gives you some insight into what the law actually says, and helps you understand where we are coming from on our side of the issue.  The appeal to the Supreme Court is still coming.  However, if we need to, we will vote on it once more and pass it a final time.  It is the right thing to do.

Additionally, I would like to thank all of you that came to my listening sessions in Grand Chute and Winchester this week.  We had a very lively discussion, and I look forward to continuing them throughout the year.