Brad Lager's Capitol Report: Honoring Those Who Defend Our Liberties

This year as we enjoyed the long weekend, I hope you were able to take a few minutes and think about the true meaning of Memorial Day. This is a time when we pay our respects to those who have paid the highest price and given their lives for our country. It is a time when we acknowledge the debt that we owe to those men and women who have given it all to defend our freedom.

This year, as we think about those who have and those who are currently defending this great nation, it has a special meaning. In recent weeks, our nation has been reminded of the resilience, perseverance and determination that make up our military forces when a special team brought justice to those responsible for the worst terrorist attack in our nations history. In today's world, we are reminded that freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty, and America relies on her sons and daughters to defend her liberty.

Although we pray that each and every one of our military men and women come home safe, the reality is that on this Memorial Day we will once again add new names to the list of those who have died while in service to our country. These men and women proudly carried the American flag and defended the ideals and values for which it stands. The cost of independence is high, and we must not forget the brave souls who have sacrificed for America so that we may maintain our freedoms, our liberties, and our way of life.

Please take time to remember and give praise to those in our families, our communities, and our country who have and may still be serving this great nation. I ask you to remember and honor those who have already given their lives for our nation, those who currently defend our country, and the families who are suffering because of the absence of a loved one. Most importantly, I ask you to remember and pray for all those who fight to defend this great nation as together we joyfully rise to acknowledge them, salute them, and may God Bless them.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.