Recognizing the Service of Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice: Memorial Day 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States of America. On behalf of the United States Congress, and the constituents of the 23rd Congressional District, I am proud to recognize our brave service members' courage, sacrifice, and valor as we come together this Memorial Day.

All gave some, and some gave all. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend--it is sacred time for a grateful Nation to reflect on the cost of liberty. We owe our freedom to those who answered the call and never returned. In America--the greatest country on Earth--our founding promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is preserved only through the sacrifice of our heroes.

The American flag flies in red, white, and blue--each color rich with meaning. Blue stands for vigilance and justice, a call to remain steadfast in our values. White reflects our Nation's ideals and purity of purpose. Red honors the valor and the blood shed by those who died defending our rights.

This weekend, across Western New York and the Southern Tier, veterans and families will gather at town centers, VFW halls and cemeteries to commemorate the fallen and ensure that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. This is a responsibility that we all must pass on to the next generation, to continue this great tradition in memory of those who made this life of freedom and opportunity possible.

Today, we remember those we've lost and give thanks to the veterans still among us. We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. The selflessness of our service members inspires deep gratitude every day--not just on Memorial Day. May we never forget their sacrifice.

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