Congressman Shelley Moore Capito, May 24, 2002

This Monday is Memorial Day. All across America, school children are off from school and many adults aren't required to go into work. But aside from all of the parades, picnics and potato salad, it is very important that we not only celebrate Memorial Day, but that we also understand the meaning and significance of the holiday.

After Sept. 11th, I think that many of us have a whole new respect for Memorial Day -- a time to remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Our gratitude for the sacrifice and service that those in our armed forces have given is awakened or renewed as we contemplate how their fight for liberty has made our world better place."

Therefore, every American, young or old, should celebrate Memorial Day. All of us still reap the rewards for which many have fought and fallen in the line of duty to protect.

Here in West Virginia, we have a sizeable population that served or still serves in the armed forces. For example, did you know 36% of West Virginia's male population fought in World War II? That's the second highest contribution of soldiers from any state in the union. In fact, my dad is a WWII veteran.

West Virginia has produced many honorable and brave servicemen and servicewomen who have acted selflessly on our behalf. It is only right and fitting that we honor them properly.

Waiving an American flag, watching a parade and eating potato salad at a picnic are common practices and activities when one thinks of Memorial Day, but it means much more than those shared symbols.

For it was one of our greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who perhaps said it best:

The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work, which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.

This Memorial Day, let's dedicate ourselves to the unfinished business of freedom, which is still a work in progress. And let's never forget those who whose noble contributions have given us such a firm foundation.

Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, represents West Virginia's Second Congressional District.