Cord Byrd: “this coming Monday, May 26, the nation sets aside a day to honor those brave men and women who died in battle while…”

“this coming Monday, May 26, the nation sets aside a day to honor those brave men and women who died in battle while wearing the uniforms of the Nation's Armed Forces. Soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen; officers and enlisted; volunteers and draftees; young and old; they were all members of our American family our fathers, brothers, sons, mothers, wives, sisters, cousins, neighbors and friends. More than 41 million Americans have served their nation during a time of war over the course of our history. More than 651,000 Americans have lost their lives as a result of that service. It is likely that somewhere in every family's extended network of relatives, neighbors and friends, there is a veteran, perhaps even a veteran whose service and sacrifice we honor on Memorial Day. Despite the fact that some 200,000 of our fellow citizens are today wearing uniforms and serving in hostile theaters far from home, too many Americans see Memorial Day weekend only as a long weekend marking the end of the school year, the opening of pools, and the beginning of summer.”