Memorial Day 2012 by RepLouiseSlaughter

In the summer of 1865, the bloodiest war in our nation's history was brought to a close. For 4 years, our nation was at war with itself. While the American Civil War tested our unity, we did not tear apart. And as our nation stepped out from the shadow of war, Memorial Day was born.

Today, we honor a new generation of Americans who have served our nation in the mountains of Afghanistan and in the deserts of Iraq. More than 6,400 Americans have died in these conflicts, and another 23 million veterans return home with the memories of a decade at war.

The debt we owe these brave Americans is immeasurable. As our heroes return home, we must keep our promise and serve them and their families with the same selfless patriotism with which they served us.

On this Memorial Day, I want to say thank you to all our servicemen and women, and their families, for their brave and selfless service to our nation.  You will always be remembered, and honored, by a proud and grateful nation.