Gwen Moore: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. I also thank Representative Cherfilus-McCormick and Representative…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. I also thank Representative Cherfilus-McCormick and Representative Jackson for hosting this Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that as a member of a family whose relatives and brothers and dad and uncles have served in the service, Memorial Day weekend is very important to me. As our Nation prepares to celebrate this Memorial Day, I am so pleased to join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus on the floor to recall the great sacrifice of all that we ask of those who put on the uniform. Memorial Day is a stark reminder of the cost of that service and the sacrifice that comes with taking that oath. There are few other callings in life as humble or as selfless as the sacrifice of a member of the military. We owe them so much. Because of this sacrifice, this distinguished body is able to gather today, tomorrow, and the next day under the ``E pluribus unum'' in this Chamber. Because of their sacrifices, there are so many more who are inspired to put on the uniform and will do so in the coming days. Mr. Speaker, while Memorial Day reminds us to celebrate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, Memorial Day also urges us to do something active for those veterans that are serving now, that are standing up for our freedoms and liberties.…”