Newsletter: Honoring Those Who Sacrificed for Our Freedom

Statement

Honoring Those Who Sacrificed for Our Freedom

Today, I was humbled and honored to be a part of two ceremonies remembering and honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who have died in service to our country.

I attended the Korean Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in Overland Park and took part in the Vietnam Veterans 133rd Memorial Day Observance at the Vietnam Memorial Fountain in Kansas City where I was given an honorary life membership to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

These events marked the celebration of Memorial Day, which was first observed on May 30, 1868 for the purpose of decorating the graves of the Civil War dead.

More than a million American service members have given their lives in the wars and conflicts this nation has fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence.

These brave men and women were willing to go to the farthest corners of the world to promote the ideals of liberty and freedom knowing full well the potential for bodily harm or death.

Today, we paused to honor those heroes and remember their achievements, their courage, their dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifices.

These men and women came from all walks of life, sharing several fundamental qualities. They each possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity -- all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one's self.

As an American, I am truly grateful for their sacrifice, as well as the service of each of the veterans who attended today's ceremonies.

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, a new generation of veterans has stepped forward, serving with a dedication to duty that remains consistent with previous generations of veterans who were willing to put themselves in harm's way for the greater good of all.

In Kansas, we are extremely proud of the men and women in our military that serve our country freedom and defend our liberty and freedom around the globe. Their willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country--their true heroism--is known firsthand only to a small number, but is sadly far too common.

It breaks our hearts each and every time we learn the news of a soldier who has lost his life so our country can continue to live in freedom. But while we mourn their loss, we also remember that these men were inspired by the legacy of those veterans who served their country with great distinction. Their service continues to ensure that our liberty remains intact.

Our message of thanks is one that cannot be spoken strongly enough.

Please join me today in thanking our nation's veterans. Your service and sacrifice has ensured the preservation of freedom and liberty we so richly enjoy. Thank you.

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