[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 88 (Friday, May 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE ON MEMORIAL DAY

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                            HON. AARON BEAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 23, 2025

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, standing at Arlington National 
Cemetery, the weight of history surrounds you--rows of white headstones 
stretching endlessly, each marking a life dedicated to service. But 
among them, one site stands apart: the eternal flame at President John 
F. Kennedy's final resting place. As the flame flickers, unwavering, 
the words from his inaugural address echo in your mind.
  ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we 
shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any 
friend, oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of 
liberty.''
  President Kennedy spoke those words in 1961, but he could have said 
them today, or yesterday. More than a declaration, those words are a 
promise woven into the fabric of American history, upheld by the 
generations of men and women laid to rest around him. To put it simply, 
President Kennedy's immortal words encapsulate Memorial Day perfectly.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Memorial Day, a time to 
commemorate the valor and sacrifices of the brave men and women who 
laid down their lives in service to our nation. To recall those who 
enlisted in our armed forces and fought to preserve our American 
liberties, values, and way of life.
  We remember the men who ran ashore the beaches of Normandy to end 
WWII; those who fought in the snows of Korea; the bravery of those who 
fought in the impenetrable jungles and unbearable heat of Vietnam; as 
well as the men and women who were called to serve in the aftermath of 
9/11. America is the world's superpower, but our freedom comes at a 
cost that has included the lives of the brightest and boldest of our 
Nation.
  It is only fitting that on Memorial Day, we find ourselves reflecting 
on those individuals who so bravely and instinctively risked their all 
in the face of severe danger. I am reminded of the poignant words of 
Navy veteran Jack Crawford, who, while serving aboard the USS Yorktown 
when it was sunk during the Battle of Midway in 1942, once stated:
  ``There aren't many things you can take out of this planet . . . but 
you can take with you, wherever you go, consciousness of duty 
faithfully performed.''
  That which we simply call `duty,' a word we use freely and do not 
give the reverence it deserves--is the motto, way of life and heartfelt 
song of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members, who 
constantly and without hesitation put their lives on the line for our 
freedoms.
  Mr. Speaker, the men and women who have given their lives in service 
to this nation are--irrevocably--heroes. When their country called, 
they answered. No matter how they found their way to service, each took 
it upon him or herself to serve faithfully and to their fullest, while 
giving their last measure of devotion to our country.
  We owe them more than just remembrance; we owe them gratitude, 
respect, and a promise to forever uphold the values for which they 
fought and died.

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