Remembering the Fallen and Their Stories on Memorial Day Weekend
A guest column by Senator Steve Wilson
May 28, 2018
Steve Wilson News
"To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Sp4c. LaPointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all 3 men."
- Excerpt from Medal of Honor Citation for Specialist Fourth Class Joseph LaPointe from Dayton, OH
- Excerpt from Medal of Honor Citation for Specialist Fourth Class Joseph LaPointe from Dayton, OH
There is no greater indicator of a true patriot than the willingness to deny self in the name of others. As I reflect during this Memorial Day weekend, I am reminded how blessed we are to live in a free nation that has been defended for generations by so many brave men and women like Sp4c. LaPointe. From Dayton, OH, he is one of many heroes who have demonstrated unfathomable bravery and given their lives for a cause that was greater than themselves. To put the love of your country and your brothers ahead of your own safety demonstrates a level of commitment that few will ever know.
Today, we honor and remember all of those in our nation’s history who paid the ultimate price in the service of our country. The brave sacrifices of these men and women in uniform were not in the name of the recognition or glory that we rightfully bestow upon them, but rather for the protection of our country and our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May we always be beholden to share the solemn reason for this day so the reason for their gift will never be lost on future generations.
Ohio is home to nearly one million military veterans. One million individuals who have chosen to make personal sacrifices in order to protect our country and defend the liberties and freedoms that are hallmarks of our nation. This Memorial Day weekend we honor the servicemen and women who did not come home, and we pay special tribute the Gold Star families who now have an empty seat at their table and a missing piece of their heart.
I hope you will join me in solemnly commemorating the brave members of the greatest military in the world, whose higher call and honorable service allow us to enjoy all the trademarks of the American life. So as you gather with family and friends, I hope you’ll also make time to visit a nearby cemetery or memorial garden in solemn and grateful tribute to these incredibly brave Americans. Make time to learn their stories and reflect on all that they have given to this nation.
Today, we honor and remember all of those in our nation’s history who paid the ultimate price in the service of our country. The brave sacrifices of these men and women in uniform were not in the name of the recognition or glory that we rightfully bestow upon them, but rather for the protection of our country and our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May we always be beholden to share the solemn reason for this day so the reason for their gift will never be lost on future generations.
Ohio is home to nearly one million military veterans. One million individuals who have chosen to make personal sacrifices in order to protect our country and defend the liberties and freedoms that are hallmarks of our nation. This Memorial Day weekend we honor the servicemen and women who did not come home, and we pay special tribute the Gold Star families who now have an empty seat at their table and a missing piece of their heart.
I hope you will join me in solemnly commemorating the brave members of the greatest military in the world, whose higher call and honorable service allow us to enjoy all the trademarks of the American life. So as you gather with family and friends, I hope you’ll also make time to visit a nearby cemetery or memorial garden in solemn and grateful tribute to these incredibly brave Americans. Make time to learn their stories and reflect on all that they have given to this nation.