Orrin Hatch: “since the Civil War, more than 1.1 million American veterans have lost their lives in service to our Nation. I am…”

“since the Civil War, more than 1.1 million American veterans have lost their lives in service to our Nation. I am humbled by their sacrifice. I am grateful for the price they have paid for our liberty, the terrible price of individual lives, of men and women who were part of families. As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to pause a moment during this debate to remember their gift. I am especially proud of Utah's proud tradition of honorable service. The story of the Mormon pioneers who made the grueling trek across the plains and over the Great Divide to escape persecution, in search of religious freedom is well known. Perhaps less well known is the story of the Mormon battalion. Mr. President, in 1846, while there was an active order in effect in the state of Missouri for the extermination of Mormons, these Americans who had been driven from their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois, were asked to assemble a battalion of 500 men. With their ranks and strength already significantly depleted by disease, hardship, and persecution, most would have understood if the story had ended with an indignant refusal to respond to the request. Instead, led by Brigham Young, these fathers, brothers, and sons who had seen their rights as Americans trampled, stepped forward to answer their country's call. I might mention that among them was a young man named Orrin Hatch. This same, passionate willingness to serve one's country still thrives throughout my state.”