A Weekend to Reflect

Statement

We gather with our loved ones this Memorial Day to honor those serving, those who served and those who died fighting for our freedom in defense of our country. They are shining examples of what America stands for: freedom, bravery and liberty.

I had the great privilege to see the exceptional work that our service members continue to do during a visit to Kuwait where our Wyoming National Guard troops were stationed. Our Wyoming 115th Fires Brigade had significant responsibility throughout Kuwait and Iraq. Their supply caravans' defense responsibilities were dangerous; the challenges they faced substantial.

Sharing Thanksgiving dinner with members of this force, which is the largest deployment in Wyoming's history, was a day I shall not forget.

Many of us were privileged to greet the final group of the 115th Fires Brigade as they stepped off planes in Casper and Cheyenne in April, successfully completing their year-long deployment. We in Wyoming couldn't be more proud.

This pride and appreciation for our service men and women is evident in Wyoming's Honor Flight Program; a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to send Wyoming World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial.

I have the privilege of greeting these Wyoming heroes at the WWII Memorial built in their honor during Honor Flight trips to D.C. It is difficult to put into words the feelings of pride, respect and gratitude, seeing our veterans, many for the very first time, visit their Memorial.

During the Honor Flight visit to the WWII Memorial, a solemn wreath procession commemorates the veterans unable to attend and those who are no longer with us.

As each day goes by we lose more men and women of the WWII era. We must always remember the sacrifice and selflessness of the "greatest generation." As we gather with our families and friends this Memorial Day, at picnics, barbeques and family events let us all take a moment to honor those who lost their lives in battle.

Formally established by the United States Congress in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day asks Americans wherever they are, at 3:00 p.m. local time, to pause in honor of those who died for our country. In this act of national unity and shared remembrance we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Most of us know someone who has served our country, or someone who is serving now. They may live down the street, they may be coworkers -- they may even be family members or friends. It's crucial that we let those who serve know that we support them, and that we are ever grateful for their dedication to our country.

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