Peter Schorsch
This weekend Floridians throughout our state will remember the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives while serving our country throughout our nation’s history. As we come together with family and friends to honor our fallen military and veterans, let us also bring to mind the tremendous sacrifice they have made for our benefit.
The following is a compilation of the messages and tributes put forth by Florida’s elected officials and politicians in honor of Memorial Day:
CFO Jimmy Patronis:
“Freedom isn’t free. As Americans, these three words are part of who we are. They are words we say on patriotic holidays, but have you stopped to think about what these words mean? They represent the men and women who won’t be with their families and friends at the next barbecue, Thanksgiving, or holiday dinner.These words stand in place of the embrace from a young wife, husband, mother or father. If you’ve ever been to Arlington National Cemetery or the final resting place of a member of our armed forces, you know how overwhelmingly sad and beautiful seeing row after row of headstones jutting out of the ground, standing at attention, is. They are stark visual markers of the cost of freedom. This Memorial Day, remember those men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who laid down their lives so we could live ours. And remember the people they left behind. The cost of freedom is great, and we can never forget that.”
Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto:
“As you gather with friends and family this Memorial Day, I hope you will stand with me in honoring the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in protection of the fundamental freedoms we enjoy. These fallen heroes surrendered their lives to protect our families, our future, and the country we both love. We are forever grateful for their dedication, bravery, and selflessness as they so courageously defended this great nation to preserve our liberty. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of service members who lost their lives while protecting our freedoms. We are forever thankful for your loved one’s courage and sacrifice. This Memorial Day, we commit to always remember our country’s heroes, and their faithful and dutiful service.”
Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen:
“Warm wishes to you and your family on Memorial Day. Our deepest gratitude goes to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America. May their courage and dedication never be forgotten.”
Rep. Bill Hager:
“Memorial Day is about more than just picnics and barbecues at the beach. It is a day to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please join me in remembering and thanking our fallen heroes, as well as their families.”
Rep. Jake Raburn:
“This Memorial Day weekend, our family will pause to remember and honor the sacrifice made by so many women and men to keep our nation free, protect our liberty and ensure the safety and protection of our land. Melissa and I extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each who have served, and are awed and overwhelmed as we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.”
Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum:
“Memorial Day is dedicated to the memory of those who have fallen to protect our freedoms. And today, we stop and remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe, as well as their families and their loved ones. R. Jai and I are thinking of all those who are carrying the memory of a loved one today — we will never forget you or your loved ones’ sacrifices. Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day.”
Congressional candidate Alvin Brown:
“Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice as they served our country and fought to secure peace in the world. As a nation, we are eternally indebted to them and grateful for their service and selfless courage. We can never repay the sacrifice our fallen service members have paid, but must strive to be a nation worthy of their sacrifice. On Memorial Day and everyday, let us honor their service through steadfast support for all of our men and women in uniform, veterans and their families. Let us resolve to give them the resources, healthcare and economic opportunities they’ve earned. And May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and all who still serve and put their lives on the line for all of us.”
Congressional candidate David Shapiro:
My dad was a veteran of World War II. In 1945 he fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
My dad came home — but many of the young men who fought by his side did not.
Today we remember those brave soldiers, Marines, and more than 1.1 million of their fellow Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
Memorial Day is personal to me because my father would often speak of the good friends he lost in the service to the country. He would constantly remind me that we should honor all veterans and never take for granted the freedom we enjoy and cherish.
When my father enlisted, he knew that he would be fighting for freedom and equality — for Americans and for all citizens of the world.
I’m proud to live and run for office in a nation where we stand for those values. When we win this election in November and go to Washington, I’ll work to ensure that the sacrifices of our men and women in the service and the ideals they fought for are not forgotten.
My best wishes for you and your family on this Memorial Day weekend.
Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee:
“Monday is Memorial Day, a time to honor the many brave men and women in our military who paid the ultimate price while serving our country. They gave their lives in the call of duty so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms many of us sometimes take for granted. In times of armed conflicts and declared wars, the selfless acts of our service members deserve honor and reverence. Take a moment to remember, no matter how you choose to spend the day. Never forget the true purpose of Memorial Day and the people who sacrificed so much to make this holiday possible. We stand together with resolve, and with an appreciation for the men and women who wear the uniforms of our armed services.”
Florida for Care:
“Today is a day that we remember all of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the freedoms that we have every day in this great country. Many brave men and women gave their lives, to make sure every person in America could enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They secured our ability to have freedom of speech, and to petition our government when we want to change laws we see unfit. Let us all remember, as many enjoy this time with friends and families, those who served and died for us. They have left behind loved ones, those that don’t have their best friend or family member to share that life with them anymore because of their sacrifice. Keep them close in your heart and honor all of those that have and are serving today in everything you do. Many have thankfully made it back home, but are still dealing with damages to their body and minds. Make sure you honor them not just today, but every day.”
