Many Oregonians are finishing up celebrating a long weekend with family and friends. However, today, Memorial Day, is truly a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedoms we have as Oregonians and as Americans. Oregonians over history have given their lives in defense of our country. Their courage and sacrifice shaped the past 250 years of our great nation. Remembering them and what they fought to protect is why we pause today to say thank you. Thank you not only to them but also to their families who have carried that personal loss through history.

As families and communities gather today, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on what was given on our behalf by these brave men and women. Today we pause to honor those who sacrificed to protect the country that they and we love, but we also commit to protecting the values they fought for moving forward.  Freedom, responsibility, and opportunity for the next generation can be lost quickly if we don’t remember the past and commit to protecting it in the future. 

May God bless the memory of our fallen heroes, continue to comfort their families, and may God continue to bless Oregon and the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.

Happy Memorial Day, may we never forget.

Sincerely,