In Wisconsin and
across America, we honor the brave men
and women who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation and our
freedom. For their brave and
dedicated service to both state and country - we offer them our thanks,
and honor their memory.
Here in Wisconsin,
we have witnessed firsthand the extent of their sacrifices.
Nearly half-a-million Wisconsin men and women
have served our nation and our state, and - as the proud son of a World
War II Veteran - I am humbled by their courage.
We owe these brave men and women more than a
lifetime of Memorial Days could repay. Their sacrifices left us with a
duty that goes on through the generations - to honor them in our thoughts,
in our words, and in the way we live our lives.
Our men and women in uniform deserve - and have earned - the deepest
respect and most profound gratitude of the people of Wisconsin.
Each of our brave soldiers loved his or her
life as much as we love ours. Each had a place in the world, a family
and friends who anxiously awaited their return. They thought of the
future just as we do, with plans and hopes for a long life. But they
chose to travel to foreign shores, to fight to defend our freedom, and
ensure the world's stability.
Some of their
stories are as old as our country. Others are risking their lives today
in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries around the world - a new
generation of heroes, writing its own page in American history. We
are so fortunate to have people in this state of such high quality, of
such great character, who answer the call.
Since 2003, I have attended
the funerals and memorials of far too many of Wisconsin's brave soldiers.
While it is one of my most difficult responsibilities as Governor, it also
fills me with pride over the quality of our men and women in uniform.
I have met the families of our fallen soldiers. They deserve our
deepest gratitude. This day we honor you too, because you were there to
support these fine men and women. Their sacrifice was your sacrifice.
Wisconsin and the world are a better place to live because of the work and
service of your loved one.
Every Memorial Day we gather together,
trying to grasp the extent of our loss. But it is difficult to
comprehend, and nearly impossible to put into words. In the end, all we
can do is be thankful. All we can do is remember, and always appreciate
the price that was paid for our own lives
and our own freedom.
And so this Memorial Day, let us pause to
remember the sacrifice of our fallen heroes and their families and let us
rededicate ourselves to honoring these men and women to ensure that their
service and sacrifice were not in vain.
-30-
05/25/2007
