Governor Walker’s Statement on Memorial Day

Today we pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in our country’s Armed Forces. At a time of increasing international tension, Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that freedom, although endowed by our creator and enshrined in our Constitution, is defended every day by brave men and women in uniform. We must never forget their sacrifice, nor the sacrifices made by the families of the fallen who bear a very heavy burden on this day, and every day.

Americans across our land, and around the globe, will sing our beloved National Anthem on this solemn day. As President Reagan reminded us on Memorial Day in 1982, our National Anthem leaves us with a question and a challenge: Oh say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Our fallen warriors met this challenge and gave their all to ensure that banner yet waves. What we truly owe these heroes is to look on our own lives and make sure we can always answer yes to this question, ensuring our flag flies over a free land of brave people.