Governor Issues Proclamation
Sacramento, CA — California Governor Jerry Brown has issued the following state proclamation in honor of Memorial Day.
“On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to Americans who have suffered and died in war.
The custom of marking this day originated just after the Civil War. To help heal the wounds of war, Americans in all parts of the country began decorating the graves of the dead with flowers, a universal symbol of the renewal of life. As a small step in the lengthy task of reuniting a nation divided, we chose to honor all the dead, Union and Confederate, regardless of our own allegiances during that terrible struggle. After the First World War, we expanded our observance to honor all Americans who have fought and died in any of our nation’s wars. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day to be a national holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
Today, I ask all Californians to pay tribute to our fallen military heroes. In their memory, I have ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds throughout the state.”
In Addition, Republican Congressman Jeff Denham has released the following statement on this Memorial Day:
“Every year, our country comes together on Memorial Day to remember the brave men and women of our armed services who lost their lives defending our country. This weekend, I ask you to join me in honoring and remembering these extraordinary individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They remind us that freedom is not free and that we owe our country’s safety and the liberties we enjoy today to their courage.
This Memorial Day we not only honor the sacrifices that have been made, but we are also reminded of the importance of our commitment to our fallen service members. Presidents Washington and Lincoln stated, ‘taking care of our service members who fought to defend our country should rank among the highest of national priorities.’
As your representative in Congress and a Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m committed to making sure we preserve the rights, protections and benefits that America’s brave and heroic veterans deserve.
Our service men and women fight relentlessly to defend our country. They risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms, and we have an obligation to always honor, remember and respect the sacrifices they have made. We continue to pray for their safe return and pledge to keep our promise to them, and to all veterans, when they return.
This Memorial Day, I encourage all Americans across the nation to find a way to remember our fallen service members and join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice they have made for our great country.”
