[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8371]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING MEMORIAL DAY

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                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day has significant meaning to so 
many Americans. Unlike the day every fall when we thank those who 
fought and came home, Memorial Day is that day every spring when we 
remember those who didn't make it back.
  In a tradition that began just three years after the end of the Civil 
War, Americans set aside the 30th day of May each year to remember the 
sacrifice made by our service men and women who lost their lives in 
defense of freedom. Each one of those brave souls answered the call to 
duty, offering to give whatever it would take to keep us safe.
  On May 30, 1868, flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and 
Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. This tradition 
continues to this day, as millions of Americans have continued to take 
part in this humble offer of thanks.
  It is our duty to make sure those who served and their families who 
endure the many stresses of military life know that we appreciate their 
willingness to sacrifice for our cause that is freedom. We can never 
repay the debt we owe, but we will continue to honor their service and 
sacrifice.
  I urge all Hoosiers to take time on Memorial Day to attend a local 
service remembering our fallen heroes and the families who have made 
freedom possible. We must mourn those who have fallen and pray for 
those who stand firmly in the face of unspeakable horrors at this very 
hour in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
  As Americans, we inherit what Lincoln called in his first inaugural 
address the ``mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriot 
grave.'' They bind us to the great and the humble, the known and 
unknown, of Americans past.
  The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, both past 
and present, it was their duty to serve. As proud Americans, let this 
Memorial Day serve as a reminder that it is our duty to always remember 
those soldiers who have laid down such a sacrifice on our behalf.

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