Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle gathered Monday to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said America honors the “brave men and women of the U.S. Army who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country.”
“We owe them and the families they left behind an eternal debt of gratitude,” he posted on social media platform X.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) shared a video honoring service members who defended the freedoms we “enjoy so much today.”
“Never forget what this day really is about,” Scalise he wrote in X. “God bless the heroes who sacrificed their own lives to defend America and our FREEDOM.”
Republican Majority Leader Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said that on Memorial Day and every day, “we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“May we never forget that freedom is not free”, he said.
Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told his X followers to “hold close the memory of our fallen heroes and give thanks to the military who stand watch today as our nation faces growing threats.”
Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) added: also weighed, writing, “May we always remember your service and sacrifice to our country.”
Democrats expressed similar sentiments on Monday, the 156th celebration of the holiday.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.) said today that America pauses to “honor and remember the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and democracy.”
“America is a grateful nation,” he said.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said this holiday honors the selfless Americans who protected the country and defended democracy.
“On this solemn day and every day, we remember our fallen heroes and offer our gratitude and deepest respect to them and their loved ones,” she wrote. “As we pay tribute to the patriots who fought valiantly to ensure that our flag is still there, let us always strive to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.”
Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) shared a similar message.
“As we stand together this Memorial Day: we honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. We will never forget them”, He wrote. “We remember them today and every day. We owe them and their families the deepest debts that we can never fully repay.”
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said her heart goes out to families in Michigan who have lost a loved one in the military.
“Let us surround them with love and honor their heroic sacrifice,” she wrote.
Sen. Joe Manchin (DW.V.) said he and his wife, Gayle, are encouraging all West Virginians to “join us in honoring and remembering our fallen heroes.”
His comments came as President Biden was delivering remarks at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday morning and participating in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark the sombre holiday.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, also took to social media to pay their respects.
“We owe everything to these heroes — and their loved ones,” she wrote.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
