You can tell her that when you found me, I was with the only brothers I had left. And that there was no way I was deserting them. I think she’d understand that.  — Saving Private Ryan

Today we pause to remember the men and women who have given the last full measure of themselves on our behalf.  We renew our vow to forever remember and honor them, and to care for their families in their absence.

Thousands of Americans have given their lives to defend our country and our freedoms.  We owe it to them to act as if we deserved their sacrifice.

I ask that sometime today, while you enjoy the life that has been safeguarded by our men and women in uniform, you take a moment to remember them and to thank them for what they have earned for us.