William Pryor: “this Memorial Day is an especially meaningful time for our Nation. It comes as the images of defending freedom and…”

“this Memorial Day is an especially meaningful time for our Nation. It comes as the images of defending freedom and democracy are still fresh in our minds. This weekend, we remember and honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price for their country. Flags fly at half-mast, relatives and friends place wreaths and flowers on the graves of their loved ones, and communities host parades adorned in red, while, and blue. In actuality, these tributes are small acts we perform in an effort to express our gratitude to those who have served the cause of freedom. Since the time of the Civil War, communities have paid tribute to fallen soldiers with spontaneous gestures of remembrance. In May of 1868, GEN. John A. Logan officially recognized the public's desire to honor those who died in pursuit of liberty by declaring May 30 of each year a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. A century later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation declaring, in part, that Memorial Day be held the last Monday of May every year. Memorial Day weekend has since become a signal for family gatherings, barbeques, sales at the mall, trips to the beach, and the opening of community pools. We should celebrate our freedom but we must also remember that freedom is not free--it comes to us at a great cost. In our Nation's history, upwards of 40 million Americans have risked life and limb to defend our country and make the world a safer place.”