Hoyer Statement on Memorial Day
For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2018
Contact Info:
Annaliese Davis 202-225-4131
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement in recognition of Memorial Day, which is this Monday, May 28:
“Throughout our history, this country has been strengthened by the courage and devotion of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice under our flag. This Monday, as we pause to pay our respects to them and give them our thanks, let us be awed by their commitment to the principles our flag represents: freedom, democracy, and honor. Freedom – not only to speak or worship, but to pursue happiness without fear. Democracy – not only the right to vote and elect our leaders, but the obligation to maintain justice and hold our leaders accountable. Honor – not just in the way we treat one another as fellow citizens and fellow human beings, but the promise that our nation keeps faith with those who stand with us.
“Beneath quiet fields in faraway lands and across our own, fallen heroes now rest in eternal peace after enduring the horrors of war. For them, for their loved ones, and for their comrades-in-arms who returned home bearing the scars of battle, we must hold fast. We must hold fast to their memory but also to the causes for which they gave what Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion.’ On this Memorial Day, as our flag is lowered in somber tribute, let us look to that flag and what it represents to guide us forward as we seek to raise it anew in a spirit of patriotism, camaraderie, and justice for all.”
“Throughout our history, this country has been strengthened by the courage and devotion of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice under our flag. This Monday, as we pause to pay our respects to them and give them our thanks, let us be awed by their commitment to the principles our flag represents: freedom, democracy, and honor. Freedom – not only to speak or worship, but to pursue happiness without fear. Democracy – not only the right to vote and elect our leaders, but the obligation to maintain justice and hold our leaders accountable. Honor – not just in the way we treat one another as fellow citizens and fellow human beings, but the promise that our nation keeps faith with those who stand with us.
“Beneath quiet fields in faraway lands and across our own, fallen heroes now rest in eternal peace after enduring the horrors of war. For them, for their loved ones, and for their comrades-in-arms who returned home bearing the scars of battle, we must hold fast. We must hold fast to their memory but also to the causes for which they gave what Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion.’ On this Memorial Day, as our flag is lowered in somber tribute, let us look to that flag and what it represents to guide us forward as we seek to raise it anew in a spirit of patriotism, camaraderie, and justice for all.”