Dear Colleague
Memorial Day is sacred to us: a beautiful and solemn time to honor the Americans who have fought for our freedoms. As Members of Congress and Americans, we will always mourn the loss of those who died for our country and all who served.
As we do so, we remember the immortal words of President Lincoln, spoken at his second Inaugural Address: “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan: to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
His words followed the pain of civil war, and so did Memorial Day. After the Civil War, Americans joined together to decorate the graves of the fallen with flags and flowers: hence, Decoration Day. The observance of Memorial Day today is an opportunity to remember our heroes’ sacrifices and respect their courage.
Sadly, this Memorial Day we mourn the loss of a great American patriot: Senator John Warner of Virginia. He served in World War II, in the Korean War, as Secretary of the Navy and as Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
On this solemn day of remembrance, let us honor all of our selfless servicemembers by building a future worthy of their sacrifice, with liberty and justice for all.
Best regards,
Nancy Pelosi