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This weekend and on Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day -- a day we honor
the men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation and
protect our freedoms. It is a time to remember and honor all veterans.
It is also a time to keep our men and women in uniform, serving our nation
in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere across the globe, in our hearts and
in our prayers.
This year our nation pays special tribute to those veterans who fought
in World War II, by dedicating a Memorial that stands in their honor on
the Mall in Washington D.C., our nation’s capitol. I will be traveling
to Washington on Friday to be a part of this important ceremony to honor
those brave men and women who served our country so faithfully during World
War II.
A long-time coming, the World War II Memorial pays tribute to the 16
million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during World War II, including
the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported this effort
from home.
Hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families will converge on
the Mall near our nation’s capitol this weekend to officially commemorate
this Memorial. I am so grateful many of the veterans from the Fourth District
are able to travel to Washington and be present for this important moment
in history. I know how much it means for them - and for our nation -- to
be here.
The national World War II Memorial will inspire future generations of
Americans, and will forever stand as an important symbol of national unity.
Along with the Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorial, this Memorial will
serve as a timeless reminder of our nation's solemn vow to preserve peace
for our children, and how strong our nation can be when we are united in
a common, and just, cause.
The World War II Memorial will be a constant reminder that we are not
just the beneficiaries of their bravery. We are the recipients of their
sacrifice. |
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