By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, May 30, 2017, was Memorial Day 2017. Memorial Day each year is where we remember the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died defending this country from its enemies over the last two and a half centuries. Monday, a number of Alabama leaders have made comments commemorating Memorial Day.
Public Service Commission President and 2018 Gubernatorial candidate, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh wrote, “Since 1776, over 1,308,000 American soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Let us always remember their selflessness, patriotism, and valor. As President Donald J. Trump said today, “I believe that God has a special place in Heaven for those that laid down their lives so that others may live free from fear.”
US Senate Candidate Bryan Peoples (R) said in a statement, “Today we honor and celebrate the service men and women who have fallen in the line of duty to uphold and protect the American way of life. We owe our eternal gratitude to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in ensuring our freedoms. These freedoms we hold dear have never been truly free for they were provided to us by those who heard the call of honor for country. We thank you, all who have served and laid your life protecting this great country. May God bless you always. God Bless the United States of America.”
US Representative and Senate Candidate Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) wrote, “Today we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who died while defending our nation and its values. God Bless our nation’s heroes.”
US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) said on social media, “#MemorialDayis a time to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for this great country and to reflect on their noble, selfless sacrifice. Amid all the fun and relaxation that can come with a holiday weekend, I hope you and your family will take time to remember the meaning of Memorial Day and to honor the brave Americans who died so that we may be free.”
President Cavanaugh continued, “Today and always we must honor the fallen. Beyond Memorial Day traditions, we ourselves must strive to preserve, perfect, and perpetuate what they have heroically passed down to us. President Reagan’s words ring truer than ever, as “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Cavanaugh said, “Pray that God will continue to bless the United States as we celebrate Memorial Day! A very big, heartfelt thank you goes out to the men and women who have served our great country. We are the Land of the Free, because of the Brave.”
Jefferson County Commissioner and 2018 gubernatorial candidate David Carrington said, “Memorial Weekend Salute to my friend, Matt Driskell, and the other members of our Armed Forces that make the world a safer place. And, a thankful reminder of the sacrifices my dad, father-in-law and so many others [that are no longer with us] made in order for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Former US Attorney and 2018 Alabama Attorney General Candidate Alice Martin said on social media, “As Memorial Day is today please keep in mind, approximately 22 Veterans a day, or one every 65 minutes, commit suicide. Many do not die in combat but their experience in service takes a heavy home once home. Please take action today, copy and repost.
800-273-8255 Veterans Crisis Line.”
State Senator Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) said, “Today, and everyday, we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. Thank you from a grateful nation. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13”
