Sen. Dan Hegeman’s Capitol Report for the Week of May 29, 2017

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A Day of Remembrance

Today is Memorial Day, our nation’s most solemn holiday. It is a day when Americans across the country and overseas pause to remember, honor and give thanks for the estimated 1.2 million men and women who fought and died in service to the United States.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor the war dead. The very first Decoration Day was observed May 30, 1868. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is believed the day was chosen because flowers would be in bloom throughout the country. For most of its history, Memorial Day has been a day of remembrance, observed by placing flowers and flags on gravesites, visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades and wearing red poppies.

This Memorial Day, I am honored to be one of the guest speakers at a ceremony to dedicate a beautiful memorial for all the sons and daughters of Andrew County who honorably served in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. Etched in the memorial are the emblems of our military branches and the American flag. Donated by a local veteran, the memorial also includes the words: “All sacrificed time and youth and endured hardship. Many suffered wounds and illness. Some gave their lives to protect this nation and its citizens and to preserve our freedom.”

The 1.2 million men and women who gave their lives defending our country, our rights and our freedoms deserve to be remembered and honored every day of the year — most especially on the one day our nation has set aside for that very purpose. This Memorial Day, and every day, I ask you to please keep in your hearts all the brave men and women who have given their lives for these United States of America.

Please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.