Memorial Day Message
On Memorial Day I will be speaking at the Memorial Day Program in Hortonville. Here are my remarks for that day:
Ladies and gentlemen and fellow citizens,
Today, we gather to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. On this Memorial Day, I’m humbled to join you and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, defending the principles and values that define our society.
Memorial Day is not just another long weekend or an opportunity to enjoy the warm weather. It is a solemn occasion, a sacred day on which we pause to reflect on the true cost of freedom. It is a day to remember the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought and died to protect the liberties we hold dear.
From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the hills of Afghanistan, countless heroes have stepped forward, selflessly putting themselves in harm’s way. They left behind their families, their dreams, and their futures, answering the call of duty with unwavering courage. They understood that the price of freedom is not cheap, and they willingly paid it so that we may live in a land of liberty.
Today, we remember the faces, the names, and the stories of these brave individuals. We remember the sacrifice of the young soldier who never had the chance to marry his sweetheart or hold his children in his arms. We remember the valor of the courageous nurse who tended to the wounded, providing comfort in the midst of chaos. We remember the determination of the pilot who flew through enemy fire, defending the skies with skill.
And personally, today I remember Christopher. Christopher was a soldier who served with my stepson Kevin in Afghanistan. Christopher and Kevin were stationed in the Pakita province when Christopher lost his life in a helicopter crash. In my entire life, I never saw Kevin cry until the day we pulled out of Afghanistan as he remembered the sacrifice of his friend.
But remembering is not enough. We must also ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain. We must strive to be worthy of the freedoms they fought to protect. Today, more than ever, we must preserve the unity and the ideals that make our nation strong. We must honor their legacy by making sure our society cherishes justice, equality, and freedom for all.
We live in the best country in the world. How do we know that? Because people from all over the world seek to come here. Some days, though, it is easy to take our freedom for granted. It is easy to forget the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. But on this Memorial Day, let us pause and remember. Let us remember the price that has been paid for our freedom and let us renew our commitment to upholding the values that make America a beacon of hope and opportunity.
To the families of the fallen, we offer our deepest condolences and our unwavering support. Lost loved ones will never be forgotten, because their memory is forever etched in the hearts of a grateful nation.
As we take a moment to reflect on this day, let us also remember the men and women who are currently serving in our armed forces. They continue to protect our freedoms, standing ready to defend our nation whenever and wherever they are called. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and let us honor their service by supporting them and their families in any way we can.
Today, as we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, let us remember that freedom is not free. It comes at a great cost. It is our duty, as citizens of this great nation, to honor that cost and to carry the torch of freedom forward. As Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
May we never forget the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. May we always remember the debt of gratitude we owe them. Their legacy must serve as a constant reminder that freedom is worth fighting for.
The Greatest Generation showed us what true patriotism is. Let us carry that type of patriotism forward.
Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Wisconsin’s First Capitol Opens May 27
This summer you can journey to the birthplace of Wisconsin’s first Capitol during our state’s 175th anniversary year. First Capitol, one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites, is located in Belmont, Wisconsin, and consists of two history-filled white wooden frame buildings. The historic site will open for the season on May 27, 2023, and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the season ending on Sept. 3, 2023.
Founded in 1836, Belmont was the first territorial capital of Wisconsin where legislators met for just 47 days. Visitors to First Capitol historic site can take a self-guided tour through the historic buildings where Wisconsin’s early lawmakers met to make important decisions and pass the territory’s first laws. General admission to First Capitol is free with a suggested $2 donation per visitor.
First Capitol also offers pre-registered, guided 30-minute group tours from May through October. The guided group tour option requires pre-registration at least two weeks in advance and is offered for a fee of $5 per person. To schedule a group tour, call (608) 987-2122 or email firstcapitol@
For further information, visit firstcapitol.org. You can watch a video on the First Capitol here: https://www.youtube.
2023 Spring Survey
Spring surveys are out in a mailbox near you!
Follow the link below to fill out the survey online.
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
I always appreciate hearing feedback from YOU, the constituents of the 56th!
Upcoming Events
Fox Valley Veterans Council Memorial Day Event
Near the Steps of the Old Outagamie County Courthouse
410 S. Walnut St., Appleton
May 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Wisconsin’s First Capitol Opens
May 27
American Legion Memorial Day Program
Hortonville High School Auditorium
May 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Appleton Memorial Day Parade
May 29
Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival
Doyle Park, Little Chute
June 2-4
Appleton Flag Day Parade
Downtown Appleton
June 10
WIAA State Basketball Tournament
Neuroscience Group Field
at Fox Cities Stadium
Grand Chute
June 13-15
Communityfest
Riverside Park, Neenah
July 3-4
Greenville Lions Club Catfish Weekend
July 7-8
Brats, Beer & Beethoven
Neuroscience Group Field
at Fox Cities Stadium
Grand Chute
July 15
Paperfest
Sunset Park, Kimberly
July 13-16
Outagamie County Fair
Outagamie County Fairgrounds, Seymour
July 19-23
Art at the Park
City Park, Appleton
July 22-23
EAA Airventure
EAA Grounds, Oshkosh
July 24-30
Winnebago County Fair
Oshkosh
August 2-6
