On this Memorial Day, we again pay tribute to our nation’s men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and rights as Americans.  We gather in remembrance with solemn hearts, but also with deep appreciation and gratitude. 

Memorial Day has always been a patriotic day for us as Americans.  With busy schedules, vacations, and commercialism, however, we sometimes can forget its true meaning.  In this time of uncertainty and danger in the world and at home, we must remember the significance of Memorial Day as more than merely the beginning of summer. 

The actions of the brave people who have died for our country, and of those who currently serve, should both inspire our pride as Americans and our renewed commitment to work to secure our nation’s promise and principles.  I feel that pride personally.  My father, Robert H. Gonzales, was a World War II and Korean War veteran.  I learned from him the importance of service to our nation and our community, and the importance of achieving freedom and opportunity for all Americans.  

Memorial Day is a day to remember that we cannot take our freedoms for granted. It is a day to acknowledge the lives of those who were lost in battle in service to us all.  It is a day to remind us that we must continue to preserve the blessings of liberty, justice, and democracy for future generations, and for all members of our society.

Let us remember, therefore, on this Memorial Day in 2003, the sacrifices made by our fellow Americans and our friends who have died in service to our nation to keep us free.

God Bless America.