Memorial Day: A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31st -- a time for reflection and gratitude to those who paid the greatest price. Many people celebrate Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. Picnics and barbeques are staples of summertime. As we enjoy this day, let's remember those who have fought to make it possible for us to celebrate.

Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to signify that we remember those who have been lost, and that we acknowledge their sacrifice. Each time that Americans are called to fight for freedom, there are men and women that answer the call. Some of them do not return home to their families and friends. These are the people we honor.

America has a history of fighting to protect its freedom. It is startling to think how many conflicts our country has been involved in a mere 231 years since it began. On Memorial Day, we take time to honor the fallen heroes of every generation, from those fighting for America's independence in the Revolutionary War, to those that fought the spread of communism in Vietnam. Our country's history makes the debt we owe to those who fight for our freedom clear. Every lost service man or woman leaves a family and friends. They are brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, mothers and fathers.

Right now there are soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines answering the call to duty by serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect our country from the threat of terror. Everyday, units are deployed to the Middle East, and some of these brave individuals do not return to their families and friends. Much like many communities across our nation, our community has also suffered losses and the families of these men and women are forever in our thoughts and prayers.

We cannot let the memories of those who fought for all the rights we all too often take for granted fade. This Monday, I hope you will join me in recognizing the value of courage and selflessness and remaining proud of what our military men and women are willing to give up for our safety.

Contact Me

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/crowell.