Category Archives: Freedom

A view from the Brooklyn Bridge.

A symbol of New Yorkyou could say, even Americais drawing people once again as the country continues to open.

Were talking about the Statue of Liberty, of course.

So many grand events are attracting tourists and residents in the Big Apple. Its as if a plug on the city has been popped out.

And so what had been limited ferry service to the iconic lady with the torch is now back to 100 percent with additional boats leaving from the Battery Park terminal in lower Manhattan as well as from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Its not only the Statue, but also Ellis Island.

The two are entwined. Weve all seen the grainy black-and-white films of tourists gawking at the Statue as they arrived from Europe in their exodus to the States. First, though, they went to Ellie Island, where they were checked for proper credentials, inspected for disease, and admitted to this country.

The Statue is a looming majestic figure, unchanged since her arrival in 1886 (well, maybe a face-cleaning or two). Before Covid-19, you could walk inside her, all the way up to her crown, and look down on the world below. Now, you can see her only from the outside, but up close. And there is a new Statue of Liberty Museum that will fascinate you with its history of the Lady in the Harbor.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

It includes a look at the immense warehouse in France where the sculptor and painter Frederic Bartholdi designed Liberty Enlightening the Worldthe official name he gave her. There are glimpses of the original torch, a virtual tour of the innards of the statue, bits of Americana.

A major part of the experience is simply the boat ride. Here you are in New York harbor, seeing the skyscrapers, and there, on this little island, the Statue rises.

But wait, theres more. The extension to Ellis Island is also a special New York/American experience. Expert guides take you through the place where 12 million people passed through on their way to becoming citizens. There is a hospital, too, where you learn about the techniques doctors used to determine who was fit mentally and physically to become an American.

The man who designed the Statue.

Prices for the excursion, which includes the sailings and admission to both Ellis Island and the Statue Museum, are $23.50 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children (those 3 years and under go for free). Best bet is to check the website at: statuecitycruises.com.

Worried about health and safety measures on the boat? Dont be. After every trip the ferry is sanitizedcountertops, railings, anything youd touch.

Ultimately, this is a wonderfully symbolic excursionat once, you are leaving the confines of your apartment, or home, or hotel, shrugging off the burden of worrying about health and safety, and reconnecting with a part of the United States story. It is a tale that you become a part of, re-living the experience of those millions who came here looking for a new sense of freedom. And now that the pandemic is waning, that freedom can be yours, too.

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Visit The Symbol Of FreedomNow That Youre Really Free Of Covid-19 - Forbes

By U.S. Rep. Blaine LuetkemeyerR-MissouriThis Memorial Day Weekend, up to 500,000 people from far and wide are expected to travel to Lake of the Ozarks for a few days of boating, fishing, barbecuing, supporting local businesses and visiting with loved ones.

For many, this weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and an opportunity to kick it off with a weekend of warm weather fun. I certainly look forward to spending time with my family as well, but it is so important that we remember what Memorial Day is truly about: honoring fallen members of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Freedom is a luxury we should never take for granted, nor should we ever forget those who have afforded it to us. Americas men and women in uniform protect us all year long, but Memorial Day is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on how truly fortunate we are because of them.

Serving in the military means signing up for a job that requires them to live in dangerous places for months or even years at a time. They leave their friends and families behind, missing everything from births of babies to graduations and everything in between so we stay safe here at home.

It is the single most difficult job there is and one of the few jobs along with police officers and few others in which you wake up knowing today may be your last. Sadly, too many Americans spent their last day on earth in a uniform, but their sacrifice and their families sacrifice will forever be appreciated and honored.

And while Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen, it is also a great opportunity to thank Americas veterans. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries across the globe call Missouri home, and we are infinitely proud of their service. Almost every veteran lost a friend or fellow soldier in service to America.

And in many cases, a little luck and the grace of God are the only things that kept current veterans from being one of the celebrated on Monday something they live with every day. When you see a veteran this weekend, a simple thank you goes a long way and lets them know their service and sacrifice never goes unnoticed.

As the saying goes, freedom doesnt come free, and nobody knows that better than the members of our military and their families. Gold Star Families suffer the worst consequences of service and sadly will never be able to see the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons and daughters who have laid down their lives for this country.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to honor Americas heroes, both past and present. Whether you put out extra flags in your yard, attend the American Legions parade in Union, or simply reflect with your loved ones about how truly fortunate we are to live in this country because of Americas service members, its important that we remember what this day is truly about: honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country so that we and our children can continue to live in freedom.

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Freedom is a luxury we should never take for granted - The Highland County Press

Vince Reidsma| The Holland Sentinel

Do you think

Well ever see

The value of

Our liberty?

Freedom enjoyed

From coast to coast

To do the things

That we love most.

Thank You Father;

You gave faith and a dream

To people of vision

Who knew You were Supreme.

An experiment that worked,

Not without cost;

Forever appreciating

That lives were lost.

I saw Lady Liberty

At Atlantics shore,

Beckoning all Enter

Through the front door!

A way of life,

With commitment was bought,

Freedom to live as I want,

Liberty to live as I ought!

Scripture:The Lord will show the nations of the world His justice. All will praise Him. His righteousness shall be like a budding tree, or like a garden in early spring, full of young plants springing up everywhere. Isaiah 61:11

Final Thought: Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. John F. Kennedy

VinceReidsmais a Holland resident. Contact him at vreidsma@gmail.com.

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Just A Thought: Liberty and freedom - HollandSentinel.com

The Jeep brand is expanding the Freedom edition to every vehicle in its iconic 4x4 lineup. The 2021 Freedom editions are a tribute to U.S. military members, with military-themed exterior and interior design cues. The Jeep brand will make a $250 donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) with every Freedom edition sold.

"At the Jeep brand, we are proud of our military heritage, with origins that date back to 1941, and the Freedom special editions are a tribute to all who have served and continue to serve," said Jim Morrison, Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. "This Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country and support those who continue to serve through these special editions."

The Freedom special-edition vehicles include unique exterior features, such as the large "Oscar Mike" military star decal on the hood, matte black/Satin Carbon wheels and accents and an American flag decal along the side of each vehicle. For Wrangler and Gladiator, this also includes an "Oscar Mike" decal on the rear tailgate.

All active and recently retired service members also qualify for the $500 Military Bonus Cash across the Jeep 4x4 lineup.

Freedom edition Jeep SUVs start at the following U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), excluding destination:

More information and images are available at Jeep.com.

Jeep Wave customer care programStandard on all 2021 Jeep vehicles, the Jeep Wave premium owner loyalty program is filled with exciting benefits and exclusive perks created to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The Jeep Wave customer service program is available to the entire Jeep brand lineup, including the new Freedom editions. Jeep Wave program highlights include:

Jeep BrandBuilt on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit http://www.stellantis.com.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.comMedia website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.comJeep brand: http://www.jeep.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jeepInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/jeepTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/jeepYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis

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Jeep Offers Special-edition Freedom Models for 2021 Across the Entire Lineup as a Tribute to US Military - PRNewswire

Every headstone in cemeteries across our nation and around the globe tells a story.

The letters etched upon those stones are the names of mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, and sons. Far too many lived short lives fighting and dying for the peace, freedom, and opportunities we enjoy as Americans.

Denis McDonough

Opinion

Whenever I walk through the sacred grounds of our national cemeteries, I pause and read the names aloud, my way of ensuring I never forget the ultimate sacrifice these patriots gave in defense of freedom.

On Memorial Day, my wish is that all Americans take the time to remember the sacrifices of these heroes by saying their names aloud. Saying the names of these men and women keeps their memory alive the memory of their service, commitment, dedication, and love of country. It reminds their families that we continue to stand with them.

My most humbling career experiences have been the privilege of meeting our men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, visiting and seeing firsthand the resilience of those wounded and recovering, and sharing my deep condolences and grief with military families when their loved ones came home in a flag-draped coffin.

Related Story: What Memorial Day Means to Me, a Combat Veteran

They arent just names. They are our families and friends, our neighbors and fellow citizens. These men and women have so many stories of bravery and valor to tell.

Today, and always, I remember our fallen heroes and say their names. I ask you to join me in saying their names in honor, reflection, and recognition of a grateful nation.

Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee is the final resting place of four Civil War Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers, and Michelle Witmer, the first woman from the Wisconsin National Guard killed in war in 60 years. She served in Iraq with her sisters, Charity and Rachel.

Army Private David Bennes Barkley is buried in San Antonio. He earned the Medal of Honor in World War I after he volunteered to cross a river to observe enemy positions and drowned on the return trip.

Air Force Lt. Col. Ellison Onizuka, killed in the Challenger space shuttle explosion, is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

In 2006, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alfred Hill, who was missing in action for 62 years, finally returned home and was laid to rest at the Fort Sill National Cemetery. He and eight crew members were on a B-24 bomber that disappeared on a mission during World War II.

A relative of Specialist 4 Donald Sargent wears his dog tags at the unveiling of a monument to honor the military passengers of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Columbia Falls, Maine. Sargent was among those killed on the secret mission to Vietnam in 1962. (AP/Robert F. Bukaty)

Those who read the book We Were Soldiers Once and Young (by Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway) or saw the movie will recognize the name of Medal of Honor recipient Army Capt. Ed Too Tall Freeman, buried in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. A helicopter pilot who volunteered to fly food and supplies to soldiers fighting in Vietnams Ia Drang Valley under heavy enemy fire, Capt. Freemans bravery allowed hundreds to return home to their families.

And theres Jesse LeRoy Brown, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross the first Black naval officer to complete the Navys basic flight training program and the first Black naval officer killed in the Korean War. He was killed trying to save Marines trapped at the Chosin Reservoir. His body was never recovered, and his family was left without a grave to honor and remember him.

The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is the final resting place for 7,861 servicemen who died liberating Italy from the Nazis.

Many more heroes from all our wars rest in hallowed grounds around the world.

We cant lose sight of what Memorial Day means for our nation and families who continue to grieve the loss of a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman.

For these Americans, Memorial Day may not be a day of celebration. It may be a deeply personal and somber day. Remember them in your prayers and recognize that we are free because of their sacrifices.

President Biden told me that my job as VA secretary is to fight like hell for veterans. He also said that there is no more sacred duty than to care for our nations vets who have given us so much.

As our caring colleagues in the National Cemetery Administration maintain their solemn mission to watch over those no longer with us, we know many more veterans came home with wounds both visible and invisible. My promise is that all of us in VA will selflessly serve those men and women who served and sacrificed so much for all of us.

Today, and always, I remember our fallen heroes and say their names. I ask you to join me in saying their names in honor, reflection, and recognition of a grateful nation.

About the Writer

Denis McDonough is secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.

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We Must Say Names of Heroes Who Gave All Defending Freedom - gvwire.com

Gabriel and I are excited to talk to the American public on why protecting journalism and freeing Julian is so important to a free press, says John Shipton, the WikiLeaks founders father.

The father and brother of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange are planning a nationwide tour of the United States next month to advocate for the release of the detained journalist and for the Biden administration to drop its extradition effortand to highlight the broader implications that his prosecution has for global press freedom.

The U.S. government wants to make an example out of him to deter journalists and whistleblowers.Gabriel Shipton, Julian Assanges brother

John and Gabriel Shipton, Assanges father and brother, will kick off the#HomeRun4Juliantour in Miami on June 6, then travel to over a dozen U.S. cities for the rest of the month, wrapping up in Washington, D.C. in July. Some events will be live-streamed, and the pair plans to meet with activists, journalists, and policymakers along the away.

My brother Julian Assange has effectively been a prisoner for over a decade because he published evidence of war crimes, said Gabriel Shipton in a statement Thursday. The U.S. government wants to make an example out of him to deter journalists and whistleblowers.

Assange has beenheldat Her Majestys Prison Belmarsh in London for over two years, since he was forciblydraggedfrom the Ecuadorian Embassy in the city, where he had sought refuge in 2012. A British judge in January declined the Trump administrations request to extradite Assange to facechargesof violating the Espionage Act, concluding he would be at extreme risk of suicide.

Since taking office, U.S. President Joe Biden hascontinuedto ignore global calls to end the extradition effort and drop all charges. The Department of Justice formallyappealedJudge Vanessa Baraitsers decision in February. Forty-nine-year-old Assange could face up to 175 years in a maximum-security prison if he is extradited to the United States.

Gabriel and I are excited to talk to the American public on why protecting journalism and freeing Julian is so important to a free press, said John Shipton, whotouredtheir home country of Australia this month to advocate for his son. This issue is bigger than just Julian. Freedom of the press in America impacts every part of the world.

The U.S. tour is sponsored by the Courage Foundation, which was founded in 2013 as the Journalistic Source Protection Defense Fund. Assange is a trustee of the foundation, which supports whistleblowers and other truth-tellersor those who risk life or liberty to make significant contributions to the historical record.

For the first time in American history, a journalist has been indicted for publishing truthful information in the public interest, Courage Foundation director Nathan Fuller said of Assange. Thats why press and human rights groups around the world are in agreement that this is an existential threat to investigative reporting.

Press freedom advocates last monthmarkedthe two-year anniversary of Assangesarrestby British police by reiterating demands that the Biden administration immediately drop all charges against him. Nils Melzer, the United Nations special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, has also long advocated for Assanges release.

In a December 2020 open letter asking then-President Donald Trump to pardon Assange, Melzerwrotethat I can attest to the fact that his health has seriously deteriorated, to the point where his life is now in danger. Critically, Mr. Assange suffers from a documented respiratory condition which renders him extremely vulnerable to the Covid-19 pandemic that has recently broken out in the prison where he is being held.

Melzer and the mayor of Geneva are among dozens of people planning to join a June 4 event in the Swiss city to launch the Geneva Call to Free Assange, which supporters are promoting online with the hashtag#GVA_FreeAssange.

The AnythingToSay statue dedicated to whistleblowers Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning as well as to Julian Assange will be installed at the same time on the Pquis pier in front of the Geneva Jet deau, according to anevent webpage. The Association of Users of the Bains des Pquis, initiator and organizer of the event, will also present an exhibition on whistleblowers.

Jessica CorbettCommon Dreams

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Assanges Father and Brother Touring U.S. to Demand Journalists Freedom - LA Progressive

We viewed Freedoms Australian lawsuit as a strategic attempt to obstruct Blue Diamond from availing itself of its contractual right to arbitrate its claims against Freedom, said Michael Donner, Blue Diamonds counsel in the California arbitration.

We are grateful that the Federal Court of Australia rejected Freedoms arguments, validated the enforceability of Freedoms contractual promise to arbitrate, and rendered its decision in such a timely and efficient manner.

Last September 25, Blue Diamond sued Freedom for fraud and breach of the parties licence and distribution agreement in an American Arbitration Association arbitration in Sacramento, California.

Blue Diamond contends in that proceeding that Freedom contractually promised to faithfully make and promote its products in Australia and New Zealand and to not compete with Blue Diamond in those territories.

It alleges that Freedom subsequently breached the agreement by competing directly with multiple lines of Freedoms own nut-based beverage products, including MilkLab.

Freedom Foods last week completed a major $265 million recapitalisation, capping off a horror year when it was forced to restate several years of financial records; it took $590 million in write-downs and flagged the prospect of fraud following a nine-month suspension from trade. It is also facing two investor class action claims.

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Freedom Foods looses appeal, will face US arbitration - The Australian Financial Review

It wasnt the weather most would have liked for Memorial Day weekend, but it may have served its purpose.

A three-day weekend with sunny skies and warm temperatures would have been more conducive to what many consider the unofficial start of summer and the picnics, swimming and other outdoor activities that come with it.

Saturdays day-long rain may have put a damper on at least two community observances, but the more somber atmosphere accompanying it likely reinforced the intent of the day as a time of reflection.

State Rep. Chris Sainato was among those attending the 125th New Bedford Memorial Day Program, walking in the community parade and later welcoming residents to a service at New Bedford Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

We walked from the field up to the church today with some of our great veterans in the community, Sainato said, and it was sprinkling a little bit, a little bit of rain.

I said to myself, This is nothing compared to what the men and women did when they fought for our freedom and did what they did so that we could be here to assemble today.

Later, retired Navy Capt. Tom Patton also clarified the purpose of the day, differentiating it from Veterans Day (which honors all veterans) and Armed Forces Day (a salute to those serving now).

Memorial Day, he emphasized, is reserved as a remembrance day to honor those veterans who gave their lives in service to our country.

Thats a theme that Ruth Fairchild an Army veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm as well as National Surgeon General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars expounded upon in New Castle.

Referencing the oft-repeated observation that freedom is not free, she asked listeners, But how many times have we thought about what those words represent? Probably a whole lot less, if at all.

Story continues below video

All the money in our world cant buy our freedom. Our freedom was given to us by those willing to pay the top price, the ultimate sacrifice: their lives.

Fairchild then provided the numbers of American lives lost in each of the nations wars, a figure she said totaled 630,562, including 41 from Lawrence County.

And were not done paying yet, she said, adding that the figures she provided were from Americas major wars. Americans have actually been in 93 conflicts or wars. So imagine how many more thousands of lives have paid the price of our freedom.

All of these men are allowing us this three-day weekend to have picnics, to be with our families, and to be assembled here today.

In New Bedford, Patton referenced the 16 men from the community who gave their lives for their country, and who were later recognized in a roll call.

We need to thank God that these men lived, he said. They gave their lives to ensure that we here today can enjoy the freedoms and the liberties of being an American citizen.

But those freedoms that we enjoy today came with a huge responsibility. They come at a very dear cost. So today, and every day, remember the true price of freedom and the debt that we can never repay. Remember where we came from and whose shoulders we stand on. Live your lives in such a way as to be truly worthy of their sacrifice.

And above all, never, ever forget.

(Reporter Debbie Wachter contributed to this story.)

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Veterans focus on the cost of freedom at services in New Bedford, New Castle - New Castle News

Matthew McConaughey's comments on Russell Brand's podcast about the politically left and right meeting "in the middle" stir even more internet debates. USA TODAY

Matthew McConaugheyrecently called out what he called the "politicized" dispute overmask wearing to protect against COVID-19.

The Oscar-winning actor, rumored to be considering throwing his hat in the Texas governor race,talked about the importance of making sacrifices for "larger rewards tomorrow"during a Thursday-aired interview on "The Carlos Watson Show."The"Dallas Buyers Club" star used the debate over mask wearing as an example and saidhe doesn't believe people are really scared of a"little cotton thing."

"I'm not believing you really feel (a mask) takes away your identity and your freedom," McConaughey told Watson. "This is a short-term inconvenience for long-term freedom."

Mask mandate compliance during the coronavirus pandemic has sparked debates and protests throughout the country. In previous recommendations, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said wearing masks slows the spread of COVID-19, but some individuals refused to wear masks.

More: Viral videos show anti-mask protest at Phoenix's Christown Spectrum Mall

Matthew McConaughey called out anti-maskers saying he can't believe people are scared of a "little cotton thing."(Photo: Chris Pizzello, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

"There's no data that says it's not a good thing, no data that says it'sharmful. Let's all take one for the team here." McConaughey added during the interview.

More: CDC lifts indoor mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people. What does it actually mean?

The 51-year-old stressed the importance of masks earlier this year after mask mandates were to be lifted in Texas.

Texas Gov.Greg Abbott said on March 2 he was moving to"open Texas 100%"and would issue anexecutive order to rescind most of his earlier orders, including the July 2 statewide mask requirement. McConaughey said he was "dumbfounded" by Abbott's decisionin a March interview with "CBS This Morning."

More: Matthew McConaughey says he was 'dumbfounded' by Texas governor's decision to lift mask mandate

"Ijust want to remind,not only Texans, but everybodyout there, it's not the mask we're afraid of, c'mon," McConaughey said at the time."It's the word 'mandate.'Let's not let the word 'mandate' get in the way of practical use of this little tool called a mask."

More: Many of us didn't touch during the pandemic: Is it safe to hug again?

The CDC earlier in May updated its guidance regarding masks for fully vaccinated people. For the most part, those who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear masks indoors, according to the CDC.The agency also said fully vaccinated people dont have to wear masks outdoors, even in crowded spaces.

CDC guidelines say fully vaccinated people must still wear a mask in health care settings, transportation hubs such as airports and stations, and public transportation. That includes planes, buses and trains traveling into, within or outside of the U.S. as part of a federal mask mandate that was extended to Sept. 13.

Contributing: Jenna Ryu, Adrianna Rodriguez

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Matthew McConaughey weighs in on masks: 'short-term inconvenience for long-term freedom' - USA TODAY

Every headstone in cemeteries across our nation and around the globe tells a story.

The letters etched upon those stones are the names of mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters and sons. Far too many lived short lives fighting and dying for the peace, freedom and opportunities we enjoy as Americans.

Whenever I walk through the sacred grounds of our national cemeteries, I pause and read the names aloud to ensure I never forget the ultimate sacrifice these patriots gave in defense of freedom.

On Memorial Day, my wish is that all Americans take the time to remember the sacrifices of these heroes by saying their names aloud. Saying the names of these men and women keeps their memory alive the memory of their service, commitment, dedication and love of country. It reminds their families that we continue to stand with them.

My most humbling career experiences have been the privilege of meeting our men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, visiting and seeing firsthand the resilience of those wounded and recovering, and sharing my condolences and grief with military families when their loved ones came home in a flag-draped coffin. They arent just names. They are our families and friends, our neighbors and fellow citizens. These men and women have so many stories of bravery and valor to tell.

Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee is the final resting place of four Civil War Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers and Michelle Witmer, the first woman from the Wisconsin National Guard killed in war in 60 years. She served in Iraq with her sisters, Charity and Rachel.

Army Private David Bennes is buried in San Antonio. He earned the Medal of Honor in World War I after he volunteered to cross a river to observe enemy positions and drowned on the return trip.

In 2006, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alfred Hill, who was missing in action for 62 years, finally returned home and was laid to rest at the Fort Sill National Cemetery. He and eight crew members were onboard a B-24 bomber that disappeared on a mission during World War II.

Those who read the book We Were Soldiers Once and Young or saw the movie will recognize the name of Medal of Honor recipient Army Capt. Ed Too Tall Freeman, buried in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. A helicopter pilot who volunteered to fly food and supplies to soldiers fighting in Vietnams Ia Drang Valley under heavy enemy fire, Freemans bravery allowed hundreds to return home to their families.

And theres Jesse LeRoy Brown, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross the first Black naval officer to complete the Navys basic flight training program and the first Black naval officer killed in the Korean War. He was killed trying to save Marines trapped at the Chosin Reservoir. His body was never recovered and his family was left without a grave to honor and remember him.

The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is the final resting place for 7,861 servicemen who died liberating Italy from the Nazis. Many more heroes from our wars rest in hallowed grounds around the world.

We cant lose sight of what Memorial Day means for our nation and families who continue to grieve the loss of a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman.

For these Americans, Memorial Day may not be a day of celebration. It may be a deeply personal and somber day. Remember them in your prayers and recognize that we are free because of their sacrifices.

As our caring colleagues in the National Cemetery Administration maintain their solemn mission to watch over those no longer with us, we know many more veterans came home with wounds both visible and invisible. I promise that all of us in VA will selflessly serve those men and women who served and sacrificed so much for all of us.

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Say names of those who died in defense of freedom - Scranton Times-Tribune