Congressman Wenstrup offers Memorial Day message
By Congressman Brad Wenstrup
Ohio's Second District
"Our nation honors her sons and daughters, who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."
These words etched into the Korean War Veterans Memorial were also spoken to Congress this month by the President of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye.
She reminded us of the brave Americans that fought for and saved her nation, and the world, from the spread of communism.
Throughout our proud history, after establishing freedom at home, devoted Americans have stood for freedom in places around the world until freedom could stand on its own two feet.
While preserving this great gift of freedom, many have paid the price with their life.
Even after raising the flag at Iwo Jima, three of the six men involved with that iconic moment made the ultimate sacrifice shortly afterward.
The Lord said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Today, we pay special homage to those that have done precisely that. While so many completed their earthly mission early, the positive effects of their efforts will never perish. We are forever grateful.
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As an Army Reserve surgeon, I spent this weekend at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I am ever reminded that war rages on and the loss of life and limb continues to reach out and touch America's finest.
Our challenge now is to be respectful...to feel gratitude every day, not just today. We can do that by the way we live our lives. Will those that died on our behalf be able to say that we were worth it?
Let's hope so. They deserve that.
As we laugh and play with friends and family today, take a moment, look toward the heavens, and simply say, "Thank you!"
Happy Memorial Day!
Note: Congressman Wenstrup will be in Hillsboro on Tuesday, May 28.