WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks Thursday honoring the members of our Armed Forces on this Memorial Day:Mr. President, on this upcoming final day in May we will observe Memorial Day, and remember the men and women in uniform who have loved this country and given their lives to defend it. Memorial Day is a time to honor their extraordinary sacrifice.
We have a proud tradition of service in my home State of Kentucky, home to Fort Knox, Fort Campbell and many of our brave troops. Just a few days ago soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, cased their colors in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. Training the local police force will be a major focus for this mission, the fourth deployment for the division headquarters since 9/11.
More than 10,000 men and women from the 101st are already deployed to Afghanistan, and by the end of August that number will reach 20,000.
In addition, about 3,500 soldiers from the Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Knox, are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan soon, as are up to about 2,000 Kentucky Army and Air National Guard members.
Five soldiers from the 101st have died in Afghanistan since January. Every soldier preparing to ship out faces that same risk, but that does not deter them from duty and service. They are working to keep their families back home and all Americans safe.
I've met with many of the family members of soldiers, sailors and Marines from Kentucky who gave their lives in service. I've let them know that their loved ones will not be forgotten by this country. And they are not forgotten in the United States Senate. We are honored to share this land with such brave heroes.
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