Remember Those Who Sacrificed on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we celebrate the courage of those men and women who have fought for the United States of America. From Lexington to Pearl Harbor, and from Normandy to Afghanistan, Americans have always stood for freedom and liberty. Today, we reflect on those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the American way of life, and defend the U.S. Constitution. Throughout our proud history, men and women from every walk of life have rallied to the call of freedom, and we are forever in their debt.

Missouri and the Sixth District is home to many heroes. I recently had the privilege of honoring such great men with long overdue medals for their service in our military. Mr. Harley Edwards – who served in the Navy during World War II – of Independence, Mr. Charles Bradbury of Blue Springs for his valor in Vietnam, and Army veteran Mr. Donald Lloyd of Platte City.

Recently, the 1438th Engineer Company of the Missouri National Guard returned home to Macon after a year-long deployment to southern Afghanistan.

And last week, the House of Representatives finally approved a long overdue measure to designate the Liberty Memorial at America's National World War I Museum in Kansas City as the National World War I Museum & Memorial.

Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran from World War I, died in February of 2011. Mr. Buckles was from Bethany, Missouri.

I am so grateful for all of Missouri's heroes, past and present. The Missouri way of life is worth fighting for, and many venture into harm's way knowing they may not return. With great reverence and admiration, we must renew our resolve that their sacrifices will never, ever, be forgotten.