The real price of freedom.

Today, we meet to honor the memory of countless brave young Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. They fought courageously at battles waged in places like St. Mihiel, Chateau-Thierry, the Ardennes Forest, Normandy, Midway, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Pusan, Inchon, Khe Sanh, Hue City, Khafji, Kabul, and Baghdad. Some were captured, never to return. Others remain Missing in Action.

Across our country in cemeteries, parks, town squares and at monuments, we honor all those fallen heroes -- men and women - known and unknown - who answered the call to defend and protect the world's greatest and longest-recorded experiment in freedom.

Many were like us - New Mexicans - who hailed from cities, small towns, farms and ranches.

We know by their example that freedom is not free. Our freedom was purchased at a great price.

These men and women, who have gone before us, laid down their hopes and dreams so that we could live freely, and, without fear of annihilation. They passed down to us the liberty that they themselves inherited, with our exceptional and sought-after way of life.

In tribute and deep gratitude to our fallen warriors, let us not forget that they fought and died so that the America they loved could continue to be a beacon of freedom for the entire world. The good news is that they were ultimately successful. Thanks to their selfless acts, we can celebrate the victory of freedom over tyranny and oppression. Whether you will celebrate Memorial Day at a barbeque, parade, picnic, or simply by catching up on time with family and friends, I encourage everyone to take a moment to remember our fallen heroes. Let us also recall and pray for their families and friends, who waited for their return and who today recount their loss.

May we never forget them or their immense sacrifice. And may God continue to bless our nation with men and women who will always answer the call.