During his weekly video address, Chuck Grassley gives a Memorial Day address honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
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Prepared remarks for the address are available below.
Grassley Weekly Video Address Memorial Day May 28, 2010
Hello. I’m Chuck Grassley from Iowa. Like all Americans I will be celebrating Memorial Day on Monday, May 31. Americans have been celebrating some form of Memorial Day since 1865. The original Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day, and was dedicated to honoring fallen Union soldiers from the Civil War. The name Memorial Day has been used since 1882 and has been the official name since the federal holiday was established in 1971.
Today, we place American flags near the gravesites of fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to mark our appreciation for their service. It is important to honor individuals who have served their country, both those who are with us and those who have been lost. We owe our safety and our way of life to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. We owe a special debt of gratitude to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Throughout my time in the United States Senate, I have worked to uphold our country’s obligation to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. One of my finest honors as a United States Senator is the opportunity to request and present medals deserved by our military men and women, past and present. These medals represent hard fought victories and sacrifices by generations of Americans.
As we celebrate Memorial Day this year, please join me in remembering the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. God bless America.