Ernst: “On this Memorial Day, I pray we take time out of our day, pause, and remember all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the families and friends they’ve left behind.”

RED OAK, Iowa—Today, on Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran who served in the military for 23 years, released a video tribute to the generations of American patriots who have laid down their lives in defense of our great nation.

• AUDIO: For a downloadable link to the audio from Senator Ernst’s Memorial Day tribute, click HERE.

Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst’s Memorial Day video. 

A transcript of Senator Ernst’s video tribute is below:

“The freedoms we cherish, and often take for granted, did not come without a price.

“For generations, American patriots have secured our blessings of liberty by willingly laying down their lives in defense of our great nation. 

“Every fallen soldier leaves behind a grieving parent, child, sibling, spouse, or friend. 

“These family members and friends never forget: the knock at the door, the sound of Taps, the loud thunder of the 21 gun salute, or the touch of the folded flag once laid on a casket.

“And as a combat veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know that the men and women in uniform who served bravely alongside the fallen never forget either.

“On this Memorial Day, I pray we take time out of our day, pause, and remember all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the families and friends they’ve left behind.

“To all of our soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors who never returned home, today we honor you.

“May God bless everyone this Memorial Day.” 

###