Honoring All Who Served

Transcript: 

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley.

Memorial Day not only marks the beginning of summer, but to honor a solemn purpose:  to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

Throughout our history, countless Americans have stepped forward in times of war and peace to defend the freedoms we hold dear. They came from all walks of life -- farm towns and big cities, every background and belief -- bound by a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.

They did not ask for recognition. They did not seek reward. But today, we pause to give them what they are due: our deepest gratitude, our most solemn respect and our unwavering promise to never forget their sacrifice to defend our freedoms.

The heroes we honor today gave everything they had so that we might live and prosper in peace. It is now our duty to live lives worthy of their sacrifice, to uphold the freedoms they fought for and to ensure that their memory endures in the hearts of every American.

To the families who bear the loss, we offer our love and our enduring support. And to those who have lost everything—we say thank you. We remember you. We honor you. And we will never forget.

This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off.