In 1775 the first colonial soldiers fought for independence. Since the first shots were fired, more than one million men and women have given their lives in the service of their country. Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor them.

Today, we reflect on the sacrifices American service members are called to make to ensure the freedom of our homeland and to bring Democracy to the rest of the world.

Many Americans see the military as an abstract. They see the pictures on TV or in the movies and they dutifully cheer the good guys but they don’t make the connection that the brave men and women who fight our wars are not actors, they are our moms and dads, our sons and daughters, our friends and neighbors. They are our fellow Americans who put on the uniform so that when we kiss our children good night we can tell them they are safe.

Today, we fight wars on multiple fronts and as we fight the spread of terrorism, we also fight a failing economy. Our service men and women need our support now more than ever. I’m proud to see that support growing stronger every day.

Tammy and I come from a long history of military service. Both our fathers served our nation and their fathers as well. I was raised in Boston near a Navy base and ship yard and I learned to appreciate those who served. Shortly after high school, I joined the Navy. I was assigned to the Marine Corps infantry where I spent the rest of my career and I witnessed the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces and their families. It was an inspiring and humbling experience.

Imagine being away from your family for months or even years, not knowing if you will ever see them again. Imagine lying awake at night, filled with fear, longing to see the faces of your loved ones. Imagine aching to return home, to the life you used to take for granted but so dearly miss, tears in your eyes, hoping the soldier in the bunk next to you doesn’t see.

On this day, I ask you to join me in thanking the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice of losing a loved one. They need to know how much we appreciate their bravery and service. They need to know their loss has not been in vain.

Listen to these words by Charles M. Province:

“It is the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us Freedom of the Press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the Freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial;
And it is the Soldier–who salutes the flag,
Who serves the flag, and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag– .”

Respectfully,

Mark & Tammy Smith
Proud to be Americans