Leaders in Congress join together to honor the fallen on Memorial Day

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle came together Monday to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said America honors the “brave men and women of the U.S. Military who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country.”

“We owe them, and the families they left behind, an eternal debt of gratitude,” he posted on social media platform X.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) shared a video honoring the military members who defended the freedoms that “we enjoy so dearly today.”

“Never forget what this day is really about,” Scalise wrote on X. “God Bless the heroes who sacrificed their own lives to defend America and our FREEDOM.”

GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said that on Memorial Day and every day, “we honor the brave men and women who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“May we never forget that freedom is not free,” he said.

Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told his X followers to “hold the memory of our fallen heroes close and thank the servicemembers standing watch today as our nation faces growing threats.”

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) added, also weighed in, writing: “May we always remember their service and sacrifice to our country.”

Democrats echoed similar sentiments Monday, the 156th observance of the holiday.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said today America pauses to “honor and remember the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and democracy.”

“America is a grateful nation,” he said.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said this holiday honors the selfless Americans who protected the country and defended democracy.

“On this solemn day and every day, we remember our fallen heroes and offer our gratitude and deepest respect to them and their loves ones,” she wrote. “As we pay tribute to the patriots who fought with valor to ensure our Flag is still there, let us always strive to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.”

Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) shared a similar message.

“As we stand together this Memorial Day: We honor the brave service members who laid down their lives for our country. We will not ever forget them,” he wrote. “We remember them today and every day. We owe them and their families the deepest of debts we can never fully repay.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said her heart goes out to the families in Michigan who have lost a loved one in the military.

“Let’s surround them with love and honor their heroic sacrifice,” she wrote.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) said he and his wife, Gayle, are encouraging every West Virginian to “join us in honoring and remembering our Fallen Heroes.”

Their comments come as President Biden delivered remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Monday morning and participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider to mark the somber holiday.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, also took to social media to pay her respects.

“We owe these heroes—and their loved ones—everything,” she wrote.