As we approach Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the true reason we celebrate this day each year – those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.  Memorial Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to countless brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. It’s a day to remember that every right we hold dear and every freedom we cherish was won and kept by the sacrifices of patriots.

Having fought for our liberties at home and overseas, the final resting places of many of these courageous heroes are scattered across the nation and around the world.  Many cemeteries and memorials are the location of commemorative events during the Memorial Day weekend. I encourage everyone to recognize a moment of silence in remembrance of our fallen heroes.

While we are remembering our fallen we must not forget the living.

America’s heroes have never failed to answer our nation’s call to arms, ensuring that our country remains the land of the free and the home of the brave. Without their numerous personal sacrifices and the sacrifices of generations of veterans who have gone before them, there would be little in America to be thankful for.

I use this opportunity to express my own thanks to all who served in the armed forces of the United States. It is my highest duty and honor to represent the service members and veterans of Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, which is home to over 50,000 American heroes. That’s 50,000 individual patriots who have given time and energy, as well as some who have shed blood for us.  They all deserve our gratitude every day for putting their lives at risk to protect the freedom we love.

On this Memorial Day, as we remember the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have lost their lives defending our country, we must not allow ourselves to forget the sacrifices made by all serving in uniform today.

This Memorial Day, I extend to our heroes in all wars past and present the thanks of a grateful nation.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.