WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in commemoration of Memorial Day.

“The United States of America has long been an emblem of democracy and our rights and freedoms, such as the freedom speech, press, assembly, religion and right to petition, serve as a positive model to countries around the world. As we safely gather with friends and family on this Memorial Day, whether in-person or virtually, let us solemnly remember our fallen soldiers, who made the greatest sacrifice while protecting our freedoms.

“Since 9/11, we have lost 126 Marylanders, who were serving in our Armed Forces on behalf of our country. One such soul was Marine Corps Capt. Moises A. Navas, of Germantown, Md.  He died on March 8, 2020, at 34, in Southern Iraq clearing a tunnel complex of ISIS fighters. Capt. Navas joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We remember Moises today for his immense courage and defending our nation’s values.

“Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy for in time that men have died to win them.” Here in the United States, we are fortunate to wake up and worship freely, pursue an education, march for change, and challenge the status quo. Around the globe, we have heroic men and women serving in war-torn environments, defending these privileges on our behalf.

“While we honor the fallen, I also extend my condolences to families grieving losses of loved ones. To the families with an open seat at the dinner table, individuals who have lost a spouse, parent or child, and those who are remembering a friend today, you have my commitment to supporting our active-military members and their families.”

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