Florida politicians joined the rest of the country in remembering those who have served in the armed forces or lost their lives on Memorial Day.
Memorial Day has a lengthy history in the United States, where it has been celebrated since 1868. The holiday honors Americans who have died while serving in the military.
Here are some Memorial Day reactions from around the state:
Gov. Rick Scott:
Gov. Scott ordered the flags statewide be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day to remember the fallen soldiers.
“This Memorial Day, I encourage all Floridians to pause for a moment of silence at 3PM to honor the service & sacrifice of our fallen heroes.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi:
"This Memorial Day, we remember and honor all the members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our country. These heroes and their selfless actions secure our rule of law, a bedrock to the American way of life and the protection of our individual rights and freedoms. I encourage all Floridians to thank a service member this weekend. It is due to their dedicated service that we are able to enjoy our freedom as we spend time with friends and family.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater (via Twitter):
“This #MemorialDay, remember the virtue and values held by those who have courageously served our United States.”
Lieutenant Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera:
"We remember our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day, and everyday, and we are privileged to live in the greatest country in the history of the world because of their sacrifices. We are deeply thankful for those who have served our country so honorably, and for those who serve our country currently. We are forever indebted to them for their bravery, service and honor."
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam (via Twitter):
“Today, we remember all those who've given their lives so that we can live ours freely.”
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio:
"Today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless the souls of those who died defending our liberty. #MemorialDay2016"
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla:
"America wouldn’t be the land of the free without the actions of our nation’s most courageous individuals.
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you — we will never forget the valor and sacrifice of the men and women who defend our freedom."
Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers:
"The United States Military has been a rock for nearly 240 years, defending the cause of freedom. In that time, our world has changed and our Armed Forces have changed with it – but the dedication, courage, and selflessness of the men and women in uniform has remained a constant. The spirit of our American soldiers truly shines throughout the history of our Nation.
"As we observe Memorial Day, I am grateful for all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and women, and Marines who have bravely defended our Nation, and for those who continue to serve today. The liberty we enjoy today is the result of their courageous actions. Freedom certainly isn’t free; it has come at the cost of many heroes’ lives. Thank you all for your service, sacrifice, and your continued dedication to our country."
