The Ultimate Sacrifice

Statement

Soon Nebraskans will gather with friends, family, and loved ones to observe Memorial Day. While many spend time over the long weekend relaxing and enjoying the beginning of summer, the federal holiday is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the memory of those who paid the highest price for our freedoms.

Their service and commitment to defending our nation's truest values are the reason Americans can continue to enjoy our most special traditions. Our way of life is possible because of the generations of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, the patriots who fought alongside them, and all who continue to serve in the line of duty.

Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day, established to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War, which saw more casualties than any other conflict in our country's history. After World War I, it became a time to remember all the brave souls who have died fighting for our nation.

We honor these soldiers for their heroic acts in uniform and recall the lives they led out of uniform. Family members mourn the loss of a beloved child, a loving parent, or a committed spouse. These devoted loved ones have also sacrificed and suffered on behalf of our country, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions to protecting our freedoms as well.

Many Americans commemorate Memorial Day by visiting the final resting place of the fallen. Nebraskans travel across the state to visit Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, where the white headstones of the fallen lie peacefully representing men and women of valor who fought for their fellow Americans in wars throughout our nation's history. Among them is Private First Class James W. Fous, an Omaha native who died in battle and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous acts of service during the Vietnam War.

Twenty-one years old, Private Fous was serving as a rifleman on a mission with his unit in the Kien Hoa Province of Vietnam in the spring of 1968. While Fous and three of his fellow soldiers were occupying their position for the night in a thickly vegetated area, Fous spotted three members of the enemy forces approaching him. He quickly notified his fellow men and directed fire at the enemy. Fous successfully defeated two of the men, but the third hurled a hand grenade into Fous' position before disappearing into the dense brush that surrounded the area.

Showing extraordinary courage, Fous yelled out to the nearby American soldiers to warn them before throwing his own body upon the grenade. He shielded his fellow men from the deadly blast, sacrificing his own life to save the lives of the three other men of his unit. The bravery Private Fous demonstrated at such a young age by knowingly putting himself in harm's way to protect others is a humbling inspiration to all Americans. His actions exemplify those of a true hero.

As cities, towns, and communities across our state come together to commemorate this very meaningful holiday, may we all remember what the fallen have given up for the cause of freedom. Let us reflect on the values for which Private Fous and countless others fought and died as we renew our resolve to honor their legacy.

I wish all Nebraskans a safe and happy Memorial Day. Thank you for taking part in our democratic process, and I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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