Honoring Our Heroes on Memorial Day
 
As citizens of the greatest nation in the world, it is important that we take time to reflect on what is really important to us. We look at the abundance of blessings we have been given - from the many freedoms we have to the limitless opportunities we have to pursue our dreams to the comfort and security we have in knowing we live in a land where we can raise our children in peace and safety - and it is obvious that we have so much for which we must be thankful. It is just as obvious that we have the responsibility to make absolutely certain that we do not allow these blessings to be taken for granted.
 
That’s easier said than done given how hectic our lives so often are. It’s all too easy for even the most important things to get lost in the shuffle that results from trying to work, raise a family, and just live our day-to-day lives. But a day like Memorial Day serves to remind us that we must not only count our blessings, but also pause to remember and honor all those who have fought and died to give them to us.
 
The men and women who chose to serve in defense of the United States of America did not do so in order to become heroes, but without question their deeds and actions were heroic and have earned them the title of hero. It also goes without saying that these selfless soldiers did not enter their service with the goal of seeing their lives ended too soon and their names engraved in stone. However, that is what happened, and it is because of these sacrifices that we come together to pay tribute to the few who did what so many would not and could not.
 
As one of our greatest Missourians, President Harry Truman, once said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” My hope is that his words will always have the ring of truth, and it is our duty to ensure they do.
 
We must never forget, and we must never cease to be thankful for the heroes our nation has been blessed to have. Some who gave their lives now have their names etched in the walls of memorials, while others live on in the hearts and minds of those who love them. But for the other heroes who have not been remembered in this way, they have their own lasting monument that should forever serve as a reminder of their service. This monument is the country we all are so proud to call home. It is a monument created by the sacrifices of these heroic individuals, and it is a monument that shines as a beacon of freedom and hope not just for us, but for people from all around the world.
 
On Memorial Day, and on every day going forward, I ask us to remember that. I ask us to give thanks that our nation has been blessed with such heroes. To all those who have served, and to all those who have given their lives in service, we say thank you! May God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America!