Memorial Day

The price of freedom has never been cheap, and none have paid more dearly for it than the hundreds of thousands of patriotic men and women who have given their lives to preserve our liberty.  This weekend, we pay tribute to the incredible sacrifices that they and their families made so you and I can live the American way of life.

During World War II, my father served in the Army for four years as a Radio Communications Sergeant.  The experience changed his life, and for decades he faithfully visited his American Legion Post every month.  While he was one of the lucky who returned from war, so many of his brothers and sisters did not.

Today, with the war in Iraq over and the war in Afghanistan winding down, brave men and women like my father are returning to their loved ones.  But many will remain forever enshrined in memory, like El Monte’s native son, Private First Class Jose Casanova.  He was just 24 years old when he was killed in Iraq while serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.  Jose graduated from Arroyo High School.  He went to Pasadena City College where he played in the drum line.  He loved music and volunteerism so much that he mentored younger musicians.  We owe Jose, and the 4,474 service members killed in Iraq and 1,959 killed in Afghanistan, a deep debt of gratitude.

I, too, have suffered the loss of a loved one.  My nephew, Marine Lance Corporal Harry Lew, served his country proudly in Afghanistan.  His family never got to see him come home, and the loss weighs heavily on me every single day.

Memorial Day culminates National Military Appreciation Month, when we take stock in the dedication of our service members and their families, and the myriad challenges they face.  Now, as we take solemn pause to honor generations of our fallen heroes, we must not forget that throughout the history of the United States, people of all walks of life have fought, bled and died to defend our deepest principles.  Out of many, they are one in our hearts and prayers.  Out of many, they helped make America one.  So together, let us always remember.  To them, I say Thank you.