Governor Rick Scott
This Memorial Day, I join Floridians in commemorating all of the men and women of the United States armed forces who have lost their lives while serving this great nation of ours. This day is set aside to provide us with the opportunity to come together with family and friends so that we may remember, reflect, and honor those we have lost throughout our nations history.
Americans are able to enjoy a life of freedom because of the valor and selflessness of those who serve in the armed forces, many of whom have given their lives in order to preserve these civil liberties. Our military has been essential in defending democracy, both for our nation and others across the world. It is important to remember, today and every day, what some have given up while making the lives we enjoy today possible.
This is also a day for us to pay respect to those who are currently serving in the armed forces and to show our appreciation for their bravery and the sacrifices they continually make. Let us pray for the safety of the courageous servicemen and servicewomen who are overseas, as well as comfort and strength for their families here at home.
I ask you all to join me in observing a Moment of Remembrance this Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time. This will provide us all with a moment to honor those who have served in the military and reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice some have paid to help ensure our freedom.
I would like to thank our military men and women, both past and present, for all that they have done and continue to do for us. May God bless you all.
Attorney General Pam Bondi
This Memorial Day, we will all remember those who fought for our liberty and sacrificed their lives for America. We enjoy freedom today because of the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to military service. I am eternally grateful to the Americans who have died serving our country.
As I gather with my loved ones for the holiday, we will be remembering my Uncle Raymond, who fought in World War II and died during the Battle of Normandy.
Also, I thank those of you who are currently serving in the military and protecting our great nation.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Dave Bitner
Having the opportunity to remember those men and women who have lost their lives while protecting our country is even more special to me this Memorial Day. Over the last few months I have had the honor of personally recognizing and thanking some of the brave men and women who served during WWII. I am amazed by the pride they show in serving their country, how humble they are about what they accomplished, and how true the pain of war is even today. I see these traits in every veteran or soldier who has served in wars since.
So, as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms that we often forget or take for granted, lets not miss the opportunity to thank all who have served in defense of our great nation. All of the heroes of war-as well as the families who sacrifice at home- deserve our prayers, our gratitude, and our thanks.
U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla.
Memorial Day marks a solemn time when we honor our nations patriots --the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and those who fight for our liberty around the globe today. Each deserves to stand front and center in our thoughts.
They will be for me over Memorial Day weekend and beyond: at Riversides Memorial Park, the Veterans Wall, and the National Cemetery on Sunday and Monday, and during my upcoming June visit to Normandy, France. On June 6, I will pay my respects to the thousands of Americans soldiers buried on distant shores.
Riversides Memorial Park remains my neighborhood park as it was in my youth, and I take comfort that this beautiful place exists in honor of 1,200 Florida men who perished in World War I.The two bronze eagles that I will dedicate capture the nobility of the veterans who passed in the Great War. They serve as a fitting addition to Adrian Pillars Bronze Life statue that has graced the grounds since 1924.
My Memorial Day tributes will continue on Monday at Jacksonvilles Veterans Wall and National Cemetery. Through wars and battles, these men and women put their own needs aside and stood strong so our country can know freedom. Behind every name on the wall, beneath each gravestone at the cemetery lays a story and a life that must never be forgotten.
On June 6, when I travel to Normandy to pay homage to the thousands of Americans buried there, my thoughts will be with my countrymen. As a former member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I oversaw the American Battles Monuments Commission which has recently completed reconstruction work on the cliff at Point Du Hoc, between Omaha and Utah beaches.
A new visitor center at the site of the World War II Ranger Monument is positioned on the cliff eight miles west of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and will be dedicated.Brave and steely American soldiers lost their lives in this place of renowned history. My pride at being able to help preserve such an important piece of American history on the shore of France runs deep.
It is our honor and privilege to reflect on the sacrifices that allowed us to live with freedom. As our military continues to travel in harms way, let us never forget that our nations greatness is drawn from the blood and sacrifices of courageous men and women who have gone before us. We honor all of them, on Memorial Day and every day.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla.
This weekend, we honor and remember the brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Memorial Day is a reminder of their selfless dedication and service for which we are grateful every day of the year.
On this Memorial Day, I will remember especially the 290 servicemen and women from Florida who have lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As we pay tribute to these heroes and offer them and their families our sincerest respect and gratitude, we are reminded of the true cost of our freedom.
Each year, my family reflects on the life of my Uncle Tom, after whom I was named and for whom I named my oldest son.Tom was a Marine, and he died on Guam at age 18.I am proud to carry on the name of such a courageous and patriotic young American hero.
Former State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, Republican Candidate for the U.S. Senate
Our country and our people remain free because since its founding, citizen soldiers have volunteered to fight to protect our freedoms.This weekend, we'll pause to honor the memories of our brave military men and women who died in service to our country.
But our tribute to them should not be contained to one weekend. The best way to continually honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, is for all Americans to do their part to cherish and defend our freedoms that so many gave all to defend.
As we remember those who fought and died for our country, let us also remember the brave military men and women who are currently stationed across the world in service to our country, and the families who support them and await their return.
May God continue to bless our armed forces, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
