Lungren Honors Service Men and Women who Gave All

Statement

Lungren Honors Service Men and Women who Gave All

Today, Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA) released the following statment honoring those that have given their lives for America:

"Monday marks the 139th anniversary of Memorial Day. Memorial Day, originally called Declaration Day, was first proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by then commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John Logan, in order to honor fallen Union soldiers. This day we take time and set aside our daily concerns to remember all those who have given their lives in service to our great nation.

"Without the sacrifice of countless numbers of American service men and women, we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today. Now, more than ever it is important to celebrate those that have gone before us in defense of America.

"Time and time again, Americans have answered the call to defend liberty. Battle fields from Yorktown to Falluja have witnessed the uncommon valor, courage and heroism of U.S fighting men and women. With their sacrifice, these citizen soldiers have paid tribute to one of the most important and fundamental values we cherish as Americans- Freedom.

"Everyone chooses to celebrate this solemn day in their own way. Some will visit memorials, national cemeteries, the resting place of a loved one or cook out with their family. If you happen to hear *Taps being played, silently remember these words:

Go to sleep, peaceful Sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep

"Whatever method we choose to honor the fallen this Memorial Day, let us give thanks and praise to all those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. "

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