May 27th, 2023
By Rep. Elise Stefanik

As we approach Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms as a nation.

This is a day of honor and remembrance. It is a reminder that freedom is not free. It comes at a cost, and that cost is the sacrifice of the brave men and women who have fought and died to protect it.

Upstate New York and the North Country have a long and proud history of military service. From the Revolutionary War to the present, soldiers from this region have served with distinction and honor, always rising to the challenges presented to them.

On this Memorial Day, it is important to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. They are the true heroes, whose sacrifice ensures that we can live in a free and democratic society. They remind us of the courage and determination that it takes to defend our way of life and to stand up for what is right.

In this spirit, we must also renew our commitment to our Gold Star families. These families, who have lost loved ones in service to our nation, deserve our recognition and support. I have worked tirelessly in Congress to ensure that these families have the resources and assistance they need to cope with the loss of their loved ones.

It is our duty to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten and that they are forever honored for their service to our country.

As we enjoy the freedoms that we have, it is important to honor our fallen heroes by committing to preserving those freedoms. We must continue to support our military personnel and their families, and we must ensure that they have the resources they need to serve our country. In doing so, we can honor the legacy of those who have given their lives in defense of our great nation.

So on this Memorial Day, let us remember and honor our fallen heroes. Let us never forget the sacrifices they made, and let us strive to be worthy of the freedoms they fought and died to protect. Let us all take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day, and to recommit ourselves to upholding the values and ideals that define our Republic. May God bless America.

Read the article in The Troy Record here.