Darlene Hooley: “In honor of Memorial Day, I rise today to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gallantly gave their lives so we…”

“In honor of Memorial Day, I rise today to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gallantly gave their lives so we may live in freedom. Throughout the history of our nation, valiant soldiers have struggled, distinguished themselves, advanced our cause, and fallen in battle. Next weekend is the unveiling of a lasting tribute to our greatest generation--many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice more than 50 years ago. As Tom Brokaw so eloquently wrote: They won the war; they saved the world. They came home to joyous and short-lived celebrations and immediately began the task of rebuilding their lives and the world they wanted. I am in awe of them, these men and women who have given us the world we have today. I feel privileged to have been witness to their stories. As I came to know many of them I became more and more moved by their everyday excellence--and more and more convinced that this is the greatest generation in our country's history. I too, am in awe of the brave men and women who fought on the front lines, and the millions of Americans who served on the home front. Truly they are the greatest generation. Young men and women committed their lives, knowing they might not see their families again, for a cause that was greater than any individual nation. Young men and women committed to building a free world.”