We pay tribute to America's beloved sons and daughters on Memorial Day for giving their all to this nation. The debt we owe these fallen heroes will never be completely paid back. However, today we make a new commitment to support the survivors, caregivers, and families they left behind and to recommit ourselves to the work for which they gave their lives.
For ages, extending back to the development of our country, these valiant individuals addressed obligation's call, able to give their lives for that which we as a whole hold dear. For our independence, they fought. They upheld our democratic system. They gave everything for our freedom. And even now, as they rest in eternal peace, we continue to live in the light of liberty that they so bravely fought to keep shining everywhere.
This is always a day when both pride and pain collide. We see you and grieve with you, all those who have lost a service member, including America's Gold Star Families. Additionally, we are aware that the pain of their absence can be particularly overwhelming on this day. In any case, for so many of you, that aggravation is folded over the information that your adored one was important for an option that could be greater than any of us; that they decided to live a life of purpose and mission; and that they gave everything, risked everything, and dared to preserve an idea unlike any other in history: the States of America.
