On May 30, Americans will celebrate Memorial Day-- a holiday that is more than just the unofficial start of summer.

Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and reflect upon those American principles and values that make the United States worth fighting and dying for, and to give thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve them.

Memorial Day is especially meaningful to those of us here in the North Country as dozens of brave soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division have given their lives defending our freedom and way of life.

Our nation was founded on the core belief that all men and women – regardless of race, religion, or country of origin – were created equal and deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. A nation is only as strong as its beliefs, and the United States of America – with its foundation of freedom and democracy – has defeated imperialism, fascism, and communism; and today, we wage a war against terror. The cost has been high.

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives for freedom’s cause at places such as Saratoga, Gettysburg, The Argonne, Normandy, Chosin, Khe Sanh, Fallujah, and Kandahar. And the fight for freedom continues…

This year, we will mark the 10th anniversary of the horrific day we simply refer to as 9/11. For New Yorkers, the day was especially shocking as we watched the iconic buildings of the New York skyline fall with friends and family still inside. We know all too well that our freedom is a threat to our enemies. We know that we must remain vigilant and support those who fight to keep us free, and never forget those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom.

This Memorial Day, let us resolve to remember. Remember what our nation stands for – the God-given rights of freedom and self-government. Remember that freedom comes with the obligations of good citizenship and responsibility. And most importantly, remember that democracy and our American ideal are preserved through the sacrifices of those men and women who give their lives for the freedoms we cherish.