Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Honoring our fallen heroes

Op-Ed

Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Word Count: 349

While Memorial Day weekend may mark the beginning of summer and a long weekend away from work, it has even greater importance that we should all take time to reflect on. It marks a day of remembrance; it is one of the few times during the year when Americans come together to recognize and honor the men and women of our Armed Services who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

From Colonial America to the Middle East, from places such as Normandy to Okinawa, Kabul, and Baghdad -- they heroically fought so others could live in freedom and liberty, free from the fear of tyranny and aggression. 

This year’s Memorial Day has added significance, as we honor many heroes by observing the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War. While these conflicts varied greatly, the values of those serving remained constant. The fallen from the ‘Day of Infamy’ and those who served in the Middle East will always be remembered for their courage, honor, and selflessness. 

And while this day commemorates those we have lost, we must also recognize those who are currently deployed all over the world and our veterans here at home. Those serving at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Edwards Air Force Base are why I remain committed to ensure our military remains the best-equipped and best-prepared fighting force the world has ever known. Those priorities were reflected in recent congressional legislation I voted for that strengthens our military, supports our troops and their families, and provides more targeted resources to improve the effectiveness of health care and benefits for our veterans. 

On this Memorial Day, I encourage everyone to reflect on the sacrifices that have allowed us to live our lives as we do, and to thank a veteran for it. Our hearts should swell with gratitude as we reflect on those who served to defend freedom and help spread democratic ideals around the globe. Our nation—and so many other nations—remain free because of our servicemen and our servicewomen. 

Congressman Kevin McCarthy proudly serves California’s 23rd congressional district.

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