MEMORIAL DAY – May 27, 2013

STATEMENT BY U.S. SENATOR BEN CARDIN

Memorial Day is the day we pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes — the men and women who have shown extraordinary courage and valor and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  We are forever indebted to them and to their families.

From the American Revolution to our nation’s most recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, American men and women have answered the call to defend our nation.  We can never fully repay what is owed to these Americans who laid down their lives for our country, but we can honor them by caring for our veterans and their comrades who are still in harm’s way throughout the world.  We pray for the safe return of all members of the Armed Forces, and we stand ready to give them the support and assistance they need when they return home.

Service to our nation takes great patriotism and sacrifice.  The families who have endured the devastating loss of a loved one on the battlefield or in service to our country embody the endurance, strength and hope of our nation. Because of your sacrifices, our country remains “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”   I join a grateful nation in thanking you and in promising that the sacrifices of your loved ones will never be in vain.