Rep. Warren Petryk

“Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.”

These are the everlasting orders of General John Logan, the creator of Memorial Day, written on March 3, 1868. Following his campaign during the Civil War for the Union, he helped establish the Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran’s organization that assisted former Union Army troops.

His inspiration for issuing General Order 11 and his work to make sure our nation did not forget the human cost of the Civil War helped ensure the nation never forgot their sacrifice. Individual States began to officially recognize the day and it was later approved by Congress in 1971, which established Memorial Day on the final Monday of May.

This year, as in previous years, it gives me great pleasure to remind everyone of the significance of Memorial Day and to encourage everyone to remember this day and the courage it represents.

As we see events develop around the world, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy in the United States are rare and should be defended. As the popular saying goes “All gave some; Some gave all.”  This protection does come at a cost. That is why we commemorate Memorial Day, a day to honor the brave people who gave their lives selflessly to protect our country's liberties.

As I continue to serve on the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, I have worked to not only remind people of the selfless service of our armed forces, but also to remind them that without days like Memorial Day, we may forget how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America. And our soldier's one-of-a-kind and precious gift would be diminished if we did not remember what others had given.  Our fallen warriors should never be forgotten.

Abraham Lincoln said that “Through their deeds, the dead of battle have spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could. But we can only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they gave a last full measure of devotion.”

And finally, former President Ronald Reagan summarized this sentiment during a speech he gave at Omaha Beach by reading a letter from Lisa Henn where she made a promise to her dying father, a veteran of Normandy.

“I'm going there, Dad, and I'll see the beaches and the barricades and the monuments. I'll see the graves, and I'll put flowers there just like you wanted to do. I'll feel all the things you made me feel through your stories and your eyes. I'll never forget what you went through, Dad, nor will I let anyone else forget. And, Dad, I'll always be proud.”

Please join me in commemorating the valiant dead, and may God bless all who continue to serve our country in the armed forces.