Monday, May 30th, is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This year, Memorial Day takes on a special significance as we remember not only those who have fought in past wars, but also those who have lost their lives during our present war. We should always be grateful to those who give their lives to protect the many freedoms we enjoy.

To ensure that the sacrifices of America's heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the President signed into law "The National Moment of Remembrance Act", which created the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Let us always remember those who have gone before us to preserve our freedoms. I encourage you to take the opportunity, particularly on Memorial Day, to remember those that give the most precious gift, their life, in service to their country.

In 2003, I had the honor to attend the funeral service of a soldier I did not know but a man that was willing to sacrifice all for me. The magnitude of his service is something I am still trying to absorb.

Captain Travis Ford, United States Marine Corps, grew up in Ogallala, NE. His career in the Marines spanned over a decade. He was a respected man by not only family and friends but also by fellow Marines. He sacrificed his personal comfort on the battlefield for the well-being of his soldiers. He led from the front. Captain Ford left behind a wife and a daughter, his mother, four brothers, and many other family and friends.

During the funeral service, I listened as family and friends spoke of the character, charisma, commitment, and faith of a proud soldier, brother, husband and father. The personal comments from family and fellow Marines relayed the letters and comments from our fallen patriot who believed in the heart of the Iraqi people and that his mission was a just one. He was proud to be a part of liberating the citizens of Iraq. Captain Ford gave all when his country called him to bring freedom to the citizens of Iraq.

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced...that these dead shall not have died in vain." - From Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

As always feel free to contact me at my Lincoln office either by mail: Sen. Philip Erdman, District 47, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; by email: perdman@leg.ne.gov; or by phone: (866) 800-7445. I would also encourage you to look around the site for upcoming meetings and information.