Congresswoman’s district includes Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has issued the following statement in commemoration of Memorial Day. Giffords serves on the House Armed Services Committee and represents a congressional district that includes Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
With tens of thousands of American men and women far from their families today as they serve our nation overseas, it is fitting that we pause this holiday weekend to remember the brave members of our armed forces who have given their lives for their country.
Memorial Day is made uniquely American by our barbecues and parades, but our annual celebration and its long distinguished history are also unique to the American experience. On May 5, 1868, as the United States sought to heal the deep wounds of our Civil War, General John Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization, issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” be observed nationwide.
“Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time,” Logan wrote. “Let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.”
In response, on May 30, 1868, Americans assembled in their communities for the first time to formally remember their war heroes. And each year since, even before Memorial Day was declared a national holiday 43 years ago, Americans have taken this time at the end of May to reconnect with their history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish.
The Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I are distant events known only through history books. Our memories of World War II are receding into the past and even the Korean and the Vietnam wars came and went before many Americans were born. But with Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the sad realities of war have visited upon all Americans a newfound respect for the long-held tradition of Memorial Day.
Since 1775, when colonial soldiers first fought for the independence of their new nation, more than a million American service members have given their last full measure of devotion for the United States of America. The sacrifices of our men and women in uniform continue today – in the deserts of Iraq, in the mountains of Afghanistan and in countless other places around the globe where freedom and liberty are threatened by extremism, intolerance and hate.
We must never forget that every one of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who perished during our nation’s struggles was a loved one who was cherished by family and friends. The death of each one of them is a loss felt by their community and our country.
I join with my fellow Americans in saluting those who serve – and those who have died – so that the rest of us can fulfill our destiny of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Remembering them and the sacrifices they have made is the best way to continue honoring their service to our nation.