In Honor of Memorial Day

May 20, 2004

Remarks of Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Entered into the Congressional Record in Honor of Memorial Day

Mr. Speaker, we come together, as we do every year, to observe this national day of remembrance-to honor the men and women who've given their lives in the service of our country.

This year we sadly add the names of 19 sons and daughters of Wisconsin, killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, to those rolls. We join with their families in grieving the loss of: SPC Bert Hoyer, PVC Nicholas Frye, MAJ Christopher Splinter, SGT Warren Hansen, SPC Eugene Uhl III, 2nd LT Jeremy Wolf, PFC Rachel Bosveld, SPC Paul Sturino, SGT Dan Gabrielson, MAJ Mathew Schram, SGT Kirk Straseskie, CPT John Kurth, PFC Sean Schneider, CPL Jesse Thiry, PFC Ryan Jerabek, SPC Michelle Witmer, SPC Michael McGlothin, PO Michael Anderson, and SPC Robert Cook.

We mourn them as we mourn the loss of all Americans in uniform who've made the ultimate sacrifice.

This is a day of great pride and great sorrow. It is a day of sweet memories and bitter regrets. It is a day of despair and, yet, of hopefulness.

Yes, despite our sadness, we do have reason to be hopeful.

For as long as men and women don the uniform and serve with distinction, they embody the promise of America. This America founded on the principles of equal justice under law. This America which for centuries has stood as a beacon of liberty. This America which, by the sacrifices of those we honor today, we still proudly proclaim the land of the free and the home of the brave. We remember them today and always.