Untitled Document

The Gift of Freedom

By Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
Fifty-nine years have passed since the end of World War II, and the world we live in today is vastly different from that of the early 1940's. But, even in the midst of all that has changed, there is still no other event in modern history that so transformed our world as did the Second World War. It brought out the best in our nation and proved the courage of an entire generation, one that has been called "The Greatest Generation." It is that courage and sacrifice of those veterans, and indeed, the courage and sacrifice of all Americans who have served in uniform, that we remember and honor on Memorial Day.

The Second World War has never had an equal in terms of size or scope. It was fought on every continent and every corner of the globe. Here at home, America called almost 11 million of its young men and women to military service. Millions more worked in war industries and served as volunteers.

The reality of war is that many of these brave men and women, including some 1,700 Idahoans, never returned. They gave their lives, far from home, so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Similarly, other brave young men and women are fighting another war right now so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy freedom in the years to come. Many of the World War II veterans I talk to tell me about the friends they lost long ago and how they still grieve for them.

Many tell me how sad it is that these young men and women never had a chance to grow old. Our nation grieves today over young Americans who have lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, and otherplaces of conflict. Already, we find the names of several Idahoans on this list of honor and valor: Stone, Raney, Carl, Shull, and Petty. Many more members of the Idaho National Guard even now are preparing for deployment these places.

It is this kind of dedication that we honor on Memorial Day -- a spirit of sacrifice that has defined our country since its beginning and continues to do so to this very day. However, this year our remembrance will have a special significance and will honor our oldest veterans. On Memorial Day weekend, President Bush, accompanied by his father, the former President, who is himself a decorated World War II veteran, will dedicate the National World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

It may surprise some, but during the past sixty years, our country never built a national memorial to those who fought in World War II. Every other Allied nation did, but not the United States. Much of the reason for this can be found in the nature of the men and women who fought the war. Going straight from the Great Depression into military service, they had a pragmatic, unassuming outlook and once the war was over, many just weren't that interested in memorials.

However, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of these truly remarkable Americans dedicated themselves to completing this long-overdue memorial. The memorial is tasteful, moving, and like the veterans it honors, reflects a simple statement of purpose. It honors a great period in our history and reminds us that these sacrifices define our past, our present, and our future.

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