[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MEMORIAL DAY

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on May 30, 1868, mourners placed flowers on 
the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National 
Cemetery in Washington, DC. This marked the first observance of 
Memorial Day.
  On Monday, America will continue this tradition by honoring our 
Nation's fallen soldiers in ceremonies across the country.
  Ever since GEN George Washington defeated the British at Yorktown, 
American soldiers have honorably defended the cause of liberty in 
conflicts at home and, indeed, around the world.
  Today, our men and women in uniform are bravely waging the war on 
terror, taking the battle to the enemy so that the enemy does not do 
battle here at home.
  America thanks our soldiers for their dedication, for their 
determination, and for their patriotism. We honor the 25 million living 
veterans who have served their country in past wars with honor and 
courage. And we remember those patriots who have given the ultimate 
sacrifice in service to their country.
  Two years ago, I had the privilege of attending the dedication of the 
National World War II Memorial. It was the largest gathering of 
surviving veterans in 60 years and an experience I will never forget. 
One of the veterans was asked how did they do it, how did ordinary 
young men set aside their fear in the face of extraordinary odds 
against determined enemies. The veteran replied simply:

       There's nothing else you can do but do your best and keep 
     firing until the ammunition runs out.

  One of the inscriptions on the monument is a quote by President 
Truman. It embodies the patriotic spirit of this annual remembrance. It 
reads:

       Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service 
     of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our 
     undying gratitude. America will never forget their 
     sacrifices.

  So on Monday, we remember, we honor, and we respect America's heroes, 
the men and women who did their best, and we repay in small measure the 
debt we owe them for their service and their sacrifice.

                          ____________________