This weekend all across our country, families and friends will gather to  join each other for a day of relaxation, fun and laughter.  Barbeque grills will fire up, swimming pools will open and our beaches will be flooded with folks excited for the first days of summer sun. It is a special weekend in America, one filled with tradition and celebration for the summer season ahead.

While this long weekend is marked with family and fun in the sun, we must remember why we celebrate this holiday.  On Memorial Day, our nation remembers all of our fallen soldiers who died for our country while serving in the Armed Forces.  It is important that we take pause to honor these brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.  Without their service we would not be free to do all the things we hold so dear.  Our nation’s military is the best and strongest in the world.  They keep our country free and prosperous, and to them we owe everything.  Thank you for your service!

God bless all those who have served, all that are currently serving, and may God continue to Bless the United States of America.

On this Memorial Day I would like to wish you, your friends, your neighbors and your families health, safety, joy and happiness.

Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.