Ambassador Barrett’s Remarks at the Memorial Day Ceremony 2024
(as written)
Good afternoon and welcome – thank you all for joining us at this Memorial Day ceremony:
- Honored veterans and service members
- Marshal of the Court, His Excellency Paul Dühr
- President of the Chamber of Deputies, His Excellency Claude Wiseler
- Minister of Defense, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Her Excellency Yuriko Backes
- Honorable members of the official party
- Dear guests and friends…
I am profoundly moved to witness so many of you gathered here today to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom. Your presence is a powerful tribute to their courage and dedication.
Picture a soldier perhaps no older than your sons and daughters, or grandsons and granddaughters; a man like John Lubben, from Wisconsin Rapids, a small town in my home state in America. He left his home and family behind to defend a country and people he did not know because he believed in freedom and justice; simply because he knew it was the right thing to do. Picture a young woman, like Nancy Leo, a nurse from Cumberland, Maryland, whose final resting place is now here at the cemetery. Picture her trying to assure her family that she would return, even though she was stepping into the unknown.
Imagine their resolve as they landed on foreign soil, the weight of their missions clear in their hearts. And yet, despite their courage and determination, they would never again reunite with their loved ones.
Today, we honor the memory of these men and women. And we can only hope that our gratitude will fill at least some of the emptiness their absence left in the hearts of their loved ones.
On this Memorial Day I am reminded of the profound words of Eleanor Roosevelt, who said: “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”
We all bear the responsibility to preserve and defend the freedoms for which so many have given their lives. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice by actively participating in our democracy, by standing up against injustice, and by working together to build a society that truly reflects the values they fought to preserve.
This year holds special significance as we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. In the bitter cold of December 1944, American and Allied forces stood firm against overwhelming odds, demonstrating unparalleled courage and determination instrumental in liberating Luxembourg and ultimately securing victory over tyranny in Europe.
I am grateful that Luxembourg, a nation that has experienced the ravages of war, truly understands the value of peace and the importance of strong alliances. And I am proud that the bond between our two countries, forged in the crucible of World War II, remains as strong as ever.
As we reflect on the sacrifices of the past, we must also turn our attention to the challenges of the present. Sadly, the horrors of war are not confined to history books; they are a stark reality for millions today. Russia’ s full scale invasion of democratic Ukraine has entered its third year, the war in Gaza continues, and we witness devastating instability in many parts of the world.
As we face new challenges and uncertainties, we are reminded of the importance of solidarity and the strength of our alliances. Now more than ever are we reminded of the crucial role NATO plays, the cornerstone of our collective security, in ensuring peace and stability in Europe and beyond. Our commitment to NATO is not just a strategic necessity but also tribute to the sacrifices made by those brave souls who fought for a world where democracy prevails and freedom flourishes.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the many members of the U.S. military here with us today. Their presence here in Europe, far from their home, exemplifies our spirit and commitment to liberty and democracy. Their service in a foreign land, dedicated to the cause of freedom, is a powerful testament to our alliance’s enduring values and unity. They are not just representatives of the United States; they are the living embodiment of our collective resolve to safeguard peace and liberty.
Each Memorial Day, we must confront feelings of deep loss and heaviness in our hearts as we reflect on the profound sacrifices upholding our values has required of us. President Biden’s deep words continue to ring true: “The lives of the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion for our country, for us, are not fully gone. They’re still with us, inspiring us, guiding us, and summoning us to live up to the highest ideals in their honor.”
Thank you!
