Hinds Today

In advance of Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) issued a message encouraging Americans to dedicate themselves to shaping the United States into a nation worthy of the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in defense of the country.

"We set aside Memorial Day each year to honor and remember the valiant souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage has safeguarded the freedoms we cherish and the values we hold dear, and their legacies are forever etched in our history," Hyde-Smith said.

"May their memories inspire us to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for which they fought, and may we continue to strive to shape our nation into one that is worthy of their sacrifice," she continued. "Together, as Mississippians and Americans, let us ensure they are never forgotten by allowing their legacies to forever remind us that freedom is not free."

Hyde-Smith's complete 2024 Memorial Day message reads:

"We set aside Memorial Day each year to honor and remember the valiant souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage has safeguarded the freedoms we cherish and the values we hold dear, and their legacies are forever etched in our history.

"As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us pause to reflect on the profound debt we owe to these brave men and women.

"It is the proud people of Mississippi who began the practice of setting aside a special time for remembering all fallen servicemen and women more than a century-and-a-half ago. We solemnly continue that tradition, giving the fallen the respect they are due.

"As we remember those we've lost, we also extend our support and compassion to their families, whose strength and resilience are equally deserving of our gratitude. We know the sacrifices of these Gold Star Families are a heavy burden to bear, and we commit to standing by them, offering compassion and assistance in their times of need.

"This Memorial Day, let us stand united in gratitude and remembrance, honoring those who gave their all for the land of the free and home of the brave.

"May their memories inspire us to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for which they fought, and may we continue to strive to shape our nation into one that is worthy of their sacrifice.

"Together, as Mississippians and Americans, let us ensure they are never forgotten by allowing their legacies to forever remind us that freedom is not free."

Last year, Hyde-Smith co-sponsored a resolution with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) designating a week in September as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. This resolution honors families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives while serving.