This is Memorial Day, a special day set aside to remember and honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Over the 248 years of our nation’s existence hundreds of thousands of men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our nation’s freedom. Here I pay tribute to a few of these heroes.

I think of those tens of thousands of airmen who died over Europe or in the Pacific during World War II. They were subject to attacks by enemy fighters, anti-aircraft fire, and hazardous climatic conditions while winging their way toward their targets. As they flew mission after mission, their chance of survival became less and less. Two of the suvivors were my friends in college, one a B-17 navigator and the other a gunner. I salute their bravery.

I remember the heroic men who died on the beaches of Normandy as they stormed fortress Europe. They endured misery and sea-sickness as they crossed the English Channel, and as they exited their landing craft they were met with a veritable storm of machine gun and artillery fire. It was hell on earth, and for many of our soldiers it was their very last taste of mortal life.

I’m reverently respectful when I reflect on the incredible sacrifice of those pilots and gunners who flew obsolescent torpedo planes to attack Japanese aircraft carriers during the critical Battle of Midway. They realized that their chances for success were almost nil, and death was probable, yet they were willing to risk all in service to their nation.

America has always been blessed with a surfeit of brave men and women ready to step forward and serve their nation during her time of need.

Let’s never forget these heroes!