KENTUCKY HOUSE MAJORITY CAUCUS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2025
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Chris Freeland
In recent months, my column has focused on updates from the 2025 Regular Session. This week, I want to step back from policy and politics to reflect on something profoundly significant: the meaning and enduring importance of Memorial Day.
Kentucky boasts a deep and proud military heritage. Even before our Commonwealth officially achieved statehood, the pioneers of this region stood firm in the French and Indian War. Kentuckians played crucial roles in the American Revolution and the War of 1812, with a greater proportion of our citizens answering the call to service than from any other state. This legacy of dedication has carried through generations—from the sands of Normandy to the deserts of the Middle East. Time and again, Kentuckians have stepped forward to defend liberty, often at the ultimate personal cost.
In our fast-paced world, Memorial Day can too easily be reduced to a long weekend—the unofficial start of summer. While enjoying time with loved ones is natural and welcome, we must remain steadfast in honoring the day’s true purpose: to pay tribute to the American service members who laid down their lives in defense of our freedoms.
Each year, Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to pause and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifices have preserved the freedoms we enjoy—and the government role I am privileged to serve in. For those of us entrusted with elected office, Memorial Day is not only a time of remembrance—it is also a call to duty.
Every debate we have, every law we craft, and every decision we make must be grounded in a deep respect for the freedoms secured by their sacrifice. Memorial Day reminds us that our work in the General Assembly is not about personal ambition or partisan gain. It is about protecting the liberties, rights and opportunities that so many gave their lives to defend.
Memorial Day is more than an act of remembrance—it is a powerful call to responsibility. Our work must consistently strive to honor their legacy by safeguarding the very values they gave everything to protect.
The men and women we honor today believed in the ideals of fairness and justice. They stood for a nation where every voice matters, where government serves the people, and where freedom is protected for future generations. Their sacrifice demands that we, as legislators, be worthy stewards of that legacy.
We owe our fallen heroes more than just words or solemn ceremonies. We owe them leadership rooted in principle, a vision shaped by gratitude and a future built on the values they died defending.
We must also ensure that future generations understand the profound significance of this day. By teaching our children the true meaning of Memorial Day, we not only preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice—we also instill in them the lasting importance of service, sacrifice and civic duty.
As we lay wreaths and lower flags, let us also recommit ourselves to a higher standard of public service. Let our debates be respectful. Let our policies be thoughtful. And let our vision for the future reflect the hopes and dreams of those who never came home.
President Ronald Reagan wisely reminded us: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”
As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. You can reach me through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at Chris.Freeland@kylegislature.gov. You can also track our work at legislature.ky.gov.