On Memorial Day we honor and remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to the United States. These fallen heroes put their country, their neighbors, their friends before themselves and made the ultimate sacrifice defending our liberties. Some volunteered and some were drafted, but they all courageously answered the call to serve our country and died for our freedom and the freedom of others.
We must make time to remember the past and present. Sadly, the bodies of these heroes have fallen throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and even here at home. It is imperative that we not just remember and honor the sacrifices of these individuals, but remember their families who live with the reality that mom, dad, brother or daughter no longer sit at the kitchen table or celebrate tomorrow’s birthday.
The men and women of our armed forces serve all Americans — Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals. At a time when it feels like we cannot be more divided, we should look to those in uniform as models for how we can fight for a shared goal, be on the same team, even if we do not all agree on everything. Today, we are united in our appreciation of their patriotism, courage and commitment to our country.
We must remember not to take our liberty and our nation’s independence for granted — freedom requires sacrifice. As a Vietnam veteran for the U.S. Marine Corps, I understand the difficult sacrifices that our military members and their families endure on a daily basis.
Every day of my life as I smell the flowers, hear the birds sing, feel the wind and enjoy my freedom, I am grateful for my safe return home. However, I also forever live with the constant memory and scars of those battlefields decades ago and remember my fellow Marines who did not return home. In Vietnam I lost several high school classmates — Jesus Martinez, Walter Merle Langford and Leonel Buentello — I am grateful to them for their service and sacrifice.
I encourage us all to take a minute and think of the tremendous work and sacrifice required so that we may continue to enjoy our liberty and way of life. Honor the patriotism, courage and valor of those who died defending this great nation of ours, the United States of America.
State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
McAllen
Comments
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Re: “Surprise disasters,” May 18, May 22, by Arnoldo Gonzalez.
Democrats want Republicans to stop mentioning Trump. But it seems it is the Democrats who can’t stop talking about him. They cannot help but compare their guy to ours.
The Democrats know deep down inside that Trump’s policies were far better for the U.S. than anything they have proposed or enacted. In a recent poll, approximately 90% of Americans surveyed report being “very” satisfied or simply “satisfied” with their personal lives under Trump. Not so much now, I bet. Gas prices, inflation, illegal immigration — all made worse by Biden’s policies.
The statement, “For want of low gas prices they voted Republican, for want of a Republican they lost a democracy” — I don’t follow. We voted for Trump and his policies knowing what the Clinton alternative would be, and then only later were gifted with cheap gas. How wonderful.
I know you loved those low prices, how could you not?
Mr. Gonzalez asks, “Did you ever imagine that an amoral, lying charlatan, a conman, sociopath, could ever be president of the United States?” No, we didn’t! That’s why we couldn’t vote for Hillary Clinton!
While Ukraine receives tens of billions in foreign aid, we receive food shortages, recession, record inflation, skyrocketing home prices, massive illegal immigration.
I hope we never find life on another planet; if we do, there is no doubt that the United States will start sending them money!
Biden campaigned for the presidency stating he would unify the country. Well, he was right — he unified the country in intense disapproval of him. Democrats control the Senate, the House of Representatives and the presidency — no wonder the majority of people think the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction!
Can anyone still be satisfied with their “Biden” vote?
Joel Ramirez
Edinburg
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Mexican newspapers are notorious for showing graphic depictions of violence. Although I generally would not support this practice, maybe it is time to selectively use this practice in U.S. newspapers. If only The Monitor on its front page could include a montage (with faces blurred) of the young innocents gunned down in Uvalde. Might wake up some people.
James McNamara
McAllen
