James Sensenbrenner, May 28, 2004

On May 31, people in Wisconsin and all across the nation will gather in their communities to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. Americans will come together and take account of the enormous debt we owe to our fallen soldiers who gave their last full measure in defense of freedom. In Washington, DC, thousands of people will congregate at the site of the new National World War II Memorial to honor the 16 million individuals who fought in the war, and pray for the more than 400,000 who died.

Nearly fifty-nine years after the end of World War II, and after an eleven-year effort, the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC will be dedicated on Saturday, May 29, in a ceremony that will last four days. This is the first National Memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II, and acknowledges the commitment and achievement of the entire nation. The World War II Memorial pays tribute to one of the defining moments of the 20th Century when America demonstrated the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of its people in defense of itself, and other like-minded nations around the world.

On this day, many Americans will undoubtedly renew their commitment to uphold the democratic ideals our veterans fought and died for. This Memorial Day also finds America in an on-going War on Terror, where our brave and men and women continue to uphold the traditions established by those of generations before. Their actions are a reflection of our country’s strong and defiant stance in the face of evil. As a nation, we have maintained our resolve, and our soldiers are deserving of praise as they fight for what’s right.

Yet we are humbled, because what we ultimately seek to defend -- our way of life, our values, and our liberty -- was first provided at great sacrifice. Going back over two hundred years, American service men and women across several generations have traded countless bright futures, hopes, and dreams for the cause of freedom and the preservation of liberty.

As this Memorial Day approaches, I hope we will all take the time to pause and consider the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence honoring those Americans who died while defending our nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contributions they have made to secure our nation's freedom, we should especially honor them on Memorial Day.

I would like to take this opportunity to salute our nation’s heroes in memoriam, and thank the brave men and women defending America today in the War on Terror.

F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., is a Republican Member of Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Wisconsin.