Aaron Bean: “Did you know that more than 40 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces since our Nation's founding? From…”

“Did you know that more than 40 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces since our Nation's founding? From Yorktown to Gettysburg, from San Juan Hill to Saipan, from the Leyte Gulf to Tora Bora, America's sons and daughters have heroically answered the call to protect our precious freedoms and defend the cause of liberty, both at home and abroad. Each one had a duty to serve, but our duty, Mr. Speaker, is to remember. On September 15, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we remember the more than 500,000 prisoners of war who endured the horrors of enemy captivity and faithfully served through severe suffering and incomprehensible trauma. We remember the tens of thousands of brave patriots who are still missing in action and have yet to return home safely to the warm embrace of their families and loved ones. This week, from sea to shining sea, thousands of ceremonies will take place in an expression of solidarity. Balloons will be released, and moments of silence will be held. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will gather to honor the lives and deeds of our greatest American heroes in church yards, national cemeteries, and town squares, and a black and white flag will fly proudly. All of this is good and fitting, but our patriots deserve a special place of honor because of their selfless dedication, unmatched valor, and unsurpassed devotion to our Nation's values. Mr.…”