Next Monday, May 28th, is Memorial Day. Since the Civil War, approximately 1.4 million Americans have be killed serving our country. Let’s take a little time to honor them.

MADISON, WI – Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today. 

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here: 
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen26/risserradio052418.mp3

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hi, I’m State Senator Fred Risser. This coming Monday, May 28th we observe Memorial Day. Its history began after the Civil War in 1868 - then known as Decoration Day – as a time to decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War with flowers.

"Since the Civil War, approximately 1.4 million Americans have been killed serving our country and defending our personal freedom and liberties. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the American Soldier's Cemetery in Normandy, France. It was an unforgettable feeling standing on the sands of Omaha Beach, where the D-Day landing took place, contemplating what those courageous American Soldiers suffered for us and to pay respects to the 9,387 heroes buried there.

"I happen to be the last living veteran of World War Two to be currently serving in the Wisconsin Legislature. I firmly believe we can't turn our backs on our veterans, of not only WWII but of all wars, after all the sacrifices they and their families have endured. Please, take a moment to practice a little patriotism this Memorial Day and remember those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”