We observe Memorial Day to remember the brave women and men who paid the ultimate price for our great nation. We honor their courage, duty, and patriotism. We preserve their memory for future generations.
This Memorial Day is special as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. Throughout our country’s history, Nebraskans have laid down their lives to defend our freedoms. They came from every walk of life. Farmers. Teachers. Factory workers. Nurses. Students. Many ordinary men and women made the extraordinary choice to serve something greater than themselves. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice, and that of their loved ones.
Nebraska did not become a state until after the Civil War. It was during this war, though, that Nebraskans were first recognized for their contributions to the U.S. military. The Nebraska Territory sent a third of its men to defend the Union. They were the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Regiment. These men helped save the Union. General Lew Wallace commended Nebraskans, saying, “Their conduct was splendid. They alone repelled the charge.” Yet, the reality of success in war is often bleak. We lost 200 Nebraskans in the Civil War.
During World War I, Nebraskans again answered the call to serve. Many of our men formed the 355th Infantry Regiment, or the Nebraska Regiment. These men not only defended our liberty, but also the liberty of our Revolutionary War ally, France. This inspired the line “Lafayette, we are here!”
Following the end of the Great War, Willa Cather published the novel One of Ours. The book and its main character were inspired by her cousin Grosvenor P. Cather. He was Nebraska’s first officer to die in World War I. A line from One of Ours is etched in stone at the World War I Memorial in D.C. It describes the bravery of our soldiers: “They were mortal, but they were unconquerable.” We lost 355 Nebraskans in the Great War.
There are similar stories to share for every war and conflict America has fought in. We lost thousands of Nebraskans in World War II. Over 300 Nebraskan servicemembers paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean War. Almost 400 Nebraskans died fighting in Vietnam. And since 9/11, dozens of Nebraskans have given their lives defending our freedom during the War on Terror, including Marine Corporal Daegan Page.
This year, we especially remember Master Sergeant Noah Tietjens. Noah died in Kuwait at the beginning of March. We honor his sacrifice and pray for his loved ones as they continue to mourn his loss.
On Memorial Day, we remember Noah and all of the heroic Nebraskans who lost their lives in service to our country. We also express our gratitude to their loved ones for their sacrifice. We are the home of the free because of the brave.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.