U.S Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) has issued the following statement in advance of Memorial Day 2017:
“The roots of Memorial Day can be traced to Mississippi. In 1866, women in Columbus gathered to decorate the graves of both Union and Confederate war dead. This act inspired national remembrances that continue to this day.
“The American Armed Forces are the strongest in the world because of dedicated men and women who are willing to give their lives for our country. We honor the memories of those whose lives have been lost protecting our nation.
“I hope Mississippians will take time this Memorial Day to continue the best traditions of our state and nation by honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States.”
This May, Cochran joined a bipartisan group of 23 senators in a push to establish August 7 as Purple Heart Day, which recognizes the sacrifices of those who have earned the Purple Heart Medal. It is to be commemorated each year on the anniversary of George Washington creating the “Badge for Military Merit,” the precursor to the Purple Heart.
Cochran, a Navy veteran, serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense.
