Memorial Day: A Time to Remember our Fallen Heroes

By Congressman Rick Renzi This month America pauses to remember our fallen heroes, the men and women who answered the call of freedom and paid the ultimate sacrifice. As the son of U.S. Army Major General (ret.) Gene Renzi, I was taught to hold the men and women who serve our nation in the highest regard and I believe that Memorial Day is perhaps the most important holiday our nation celebrates. It recognizes the sacrifices made by our courageous men and women who have fallen in defense of our nation's liberty. And without these brave Americans, no other holidays would be possible. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as a tradition of decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flags and flowers to show the respect of a grateful nation for their service and sacrifice. This tradition continues today, and our nation now sets aside the last Monday in May to celebrate the courage of the men and women who have worn America's colors in war and in peace. Memorial Day provides an important time to express our appreciation for the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and their families. This Memorial Day we remember those who have served our nation in the past and those who currently serve America today. Earlier this year, we were successful in securing more than 80 acres at Camp Navajo for the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services to establish a state run cemetery for veterans in rural Arizona. Approximately 2700 veterans will die every year in rural Arizona and they have earned a dignified final resting place that will be a lasting tribute to their service to our nation. The dedication of those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces is an inspiration to all who love our nation and its freedoms. America has always been a nation devoted to the cause of liberty both at home and abroad. And through their bravery, our fallen heroes have advanced freedom's cause and allowed us to live free and be secure. This year in addition to other activities that you may participate in, I encourage you to pause on Memorial Day at 3:00pm for the National Moment of Remembrance. The goal of this effort is to unite the nation in order to remember and honor America's fallen and reflect on the high cost of freedom. Let us also remember America's troops who are fighting the terrorists in both Iraq and Afghanistan so that we will not have to fight them here at home. I encourage you to wear our nation's colors with honor, fly America's star spangled banner and to call a veteran or the family of veteran to say thank you. Although Memorial Day comes only once a year, we must make sure that our service members know how grateful we are everyday. It is because of their brave sacrifices that I am free, and that my family is free. On behalf of my family and a grateful nation, I would like to say thank you to all of our fallen heroes and our veterans. May God bless our fallen Americans, and may God bless America.