“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.”

John Thune

Thank you. Thank you to all those who have protected our freedom and defended it with their lives. Today is not about a day off, a three day weekend, hamburgers or barbecue. Today is about Father’s who have lost sons and sons who have lost Fathers. Today is about Mother’s with an open wound that lasts forever and daughters that will forever miss their Mother’s voice. Today is a day of solemn gratitude for those that have given their lives so that we may be free. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NIV.

Today, please pause to take a moment and express your gratitude for those who laid down their lives for us all.