Standing on a battleground of our country's bloodiest war, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg address and called on Americans to complete the unfinished task of ensuring that liberty "not perish from the earth." 

Just three years after the end of our nation's Civil War, America set aside the 30th day of May each year to remember the sacrifices made by service men and women to preserve America's freedom and liberty.

On Memorial Day we remember the more than one million men and women who have given their lives to defend our nation.  We honor the fallen with reverence and gratitude.

Today the honored ranks of these heroes are joined by a new generation who answer our nation's call.  It is a call to protect a fragile gift - our freedom - by opposing tyranny and promoting democracy around the world.  The War on Terrorism reminds us daily that, in the words of Ronald Reagan, "liberty is a rare commodity in this world."

Congress has continued its support in honoring our Veterans and Armed Forces in both times of war and peace.  We are providing for our soldiers in the field, and we are providing for the families of deceased service members to make sure that their financial, health, and housing needs are met. 

We have made first class medical care for Veterans one of Congress's highest priorities. Veteran's medical care is slated to receive the highest funding level in history, a 9% or $1.6 billion increase over last year.

Recently, Congress approved an additional $767 million to outfit over 5,500 Humvees and provided $900 million add-on armor packages to equip our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with all the resources they need. The Defense Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Congress approved in January, provided $75 million to purchase body armor, bringing the total body armor funding level over the last two years to more than $875 million.

We increased the maximum life insurance benefits for service members from $250,000 to $400,000.  And while no compensation can be adequate when loved ones are lost, Congress increased the death gratuity given to families from $12,000 to $100,000.  We will continue to honor the memory and brave service of these heroes by lessening the burden on those they leave behind.

Over the last three months, I joined in mourning with the families of our own soldiers from the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment who gave the last full measure of devotion while serving in Iraq. Sgt. Paul W. Thomason III and Staff Sgt. Stephen Curtis Kennedy were both laid to rest this spring back home in East Tennessee.  These valiant men represented the very best of America because they lived the scriptural exhortation "no greater love hath any man than to lay down his life for a friend."

President Bush has called on every American to pause for one minute at 3 PM (local time) on May 30th for a National Moment of Remembrance.  During this time, we should prayerfully remember those who have served our country in this war and in past wars.  We also ask for a safe and swift return for all those so courageously serving around the world. 

We honor the sacrifice of our fallen and pray for our brave men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who fight for us today.

We are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free. To our Veterans and our military personnel, we owe our most heartfelt gratitude and thanks for guaranteeing the liberty America holds so dear.