The National Moment of Remembrance asks all Americans, wherever they may be, to pause in an act of national unity at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day.  This moment is to honor all of those who have died to protect our gift of freedom.  It is my hope that all of you will take this time to remember those service men and women.  While we enjoy our picnics, barbecues, and ball games, it will serve as a reminder for us all that Memorial Day is a sacred holiday.    

On 9/11 the America we knew changed forever.  We asked our military members to take the battles to the terrorists, and today our young men and women are in harm’s way to protect the rest of us – and the entire civilized world – from oppressive regimes and terrorist threats.  They do so only because they understand that freedom and liberty must be preserved, at whatever the cost.  Throughout our history, the United States of America has served as the beacon of hope for those around the world. I know each of us holds these men and women close to our hearts and in our prayers.  Let us remember that without them, and the more than 25 million veterans before them, the “land of the free” would not be possible.    

Major Steven Hutchison, a Vietnam veteran from Arizona, was recently killed in action in Iraq.  He was the oldest service member to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.  His brother said, “He’s been a soldier his whole life.”  On this most sacred day, let us never forget the sacrifice and service of Major Hutchison and the other fallen service members.  We can never repay what has been given, but the least we can do is honor their memory and never forget the liberties they paid for with their lives.   

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember what has been sacrificed, and renew our promise to never forget.