[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 9025]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              MEMORIAL DAY

  Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, on Memorial Day 2014, I will join a 
grateful nation in paying homage to the men and women of our Armed 
Forces who have given their lives to defend this Nation.
  The people of Mississippi are proud and supportive of those in 
military service. On Memorial Day, citizens all across our State will 
join other Americans to remember, honor, and say a prayer of 
thanksgiving for those who gave their lives in service to their 
country. We will also remember and comfort their families, who mourn 
the loss of loved ones. We will enjoy the fellowship of our friends and 
neighbors with whom we enjoy the liberty that has been so preciously 
guarded by the fallen.
  The national day of commemoration that we observe today evolved from 
a practice first started in the aftermath of the Civil War. In April 
1866, citizens of Columbus, MS, started what became Decoration Day, 
time set aside to decorate the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers 
alike. That tradition of honoring all those who have paid the ultimate 
sacrifice continues to this day. It is the right thing to do.
  While we naturally look back to battles now consigned to history, we 
will also honor those brave men and women who, in more recent times, 
have died for their country. This Memorial Day 2014, my State will 
remember Army SPC Terry K.D. Gordon of Shubuta, MS, who lost his life 
in a helicopter accident in Now Bahar, Afghanistan, on December 18, 
2013. We will mourn his loss and honor him for his courage, dedication 
and sacrifice.
  This Memorial Day should also prompt us to recommit ourselves to 
meeting our obligations to the men and women who take up arms to 
protect this great Nation. The serious problems that surround the 
delivery of benefits and services we owe to our veterans are 
unacceptable. The Department of Veterans Affairs has an important and 
sacred mission to uphold the full faith and trust of our government's 
commitment to our veterans.
  As I observe Memorial Day and honor those who have given their lives 
to their country, I will also be mindful of our commitment to protect 
and support veterans and their families.

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