Lawmakers throughout the United States honored military veterans on May 25, Memorial Day, with Democrats and Republicans alike sending out messages of gratitude and praise for the military personnel who died while serving their country.
“Just like every year, this Memorial Day, let’s commemorate the service members and families who have sacrificed in defense of our freedom,” said Ernst. “The freedoms we cherish, but are so often taken for granted, did not come without a price.”
“For generations, American patriots have secured our blessings of liberty by willingly laying down their lives in defense of our great nation,” she continued.
“Let us be reminded that we drink deeply from wells of freedom that we did not dig. Today we honor the memories of the heroic Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. #Memorial Day,” Booker said.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States set aside to honor and mourn the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Since 1971, the holiday has been observed on the last Monday of May. For the 102 years prior to that, it was observed on May 30.
Many of the lawmakers thanked not only the fallen service members, but also their families for their sacrifice and devotion to their country.
“Memorial Day reminds us of the patriots who’ve died in defense of our country,” he said in a statement. “The orderly rows of white headstones at resting places like Arlington National Cemetery impress upon us the magnitude of their sacrifice-yet each headstone pays tribute to an individual who left his own heroic saga and loving family here on Earth. Memorial Day is a moment to reflect on these brave men and women, and, through the act of reflection, commit ourselves to emulating their courage and patriotism.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains 142 national cemeteries in 40 states. States are in various phases of social distancing and will have different rules for visiting cemeteries.
“Educate the future generation that an individual that they did not meet changed their life, changed the course of history, not just for our community, but for our country and our world. That they [gave] the ultimate sacrifice of their own life [to] freedom and liberty. We must never forget them,” said McCarthy.
“This coordinated display of patriotism comes together with hours of planning and preparation, designed to bring comfort to those whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice. If small groups of volunteers are able to abide by necessary safety restrictions, I believe their work to honor our service men and women should continue as planned on Memorial Day,” wrote Loeffler.
Arlington National Cemetery is a place that would be teeming with visitors on this day, but instead is closed to tours and large groups, including volunteers, due to the CCP virus pandemic. The national site for burying American military is only open to their family members.
