By The Star Staff
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia participated Monday in Memorial Day ceremonies to honor the soldiers and veterans from Puerto Rico who lost their lives.
“We dedicate this special moment to remember our fallen, those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, particularly those who could not return to their homeland,” the governor said during the ceremonies at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamón. “We offer our eternal gratitude to their families and loved ones, as well as to all the people of Puerto Rico and our nation. This loss is immeasurable and its memory lives in each of us, because each act of courage will always be remembered.”
Pierluisi highlighted the presence of members of the armed forces, active and retired, as well as their families.
He added that “the legacy they left us with their commitment and courage will last for generations without end and is a reminder that freedom, democracy, and peace have a very high price.”
“The members of our armed forces, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for us, always dared to be great, and they achieved it with great effort, work and courage,” the governor said.
Attending the event were the Democratic minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries; National Guard Adj. Gen. Miguel Méndez; Veterans Advocate Agustín Montañez; Sgt. Richard Soto; National Cemetery Director Juan Nieves; National Cemeteries Assistant Director Marcos de Jesús; Sens. William Villafañe Ramos and Gregorio Matías Rosario; and Rep. José Aponte Hernández; as well as heads of agencies.
“As the son of a lieutenant in the United States Army, who has rested in this cemetery since last year, I recognize the immense sacrifice of wearing a military uniform,” Pierluisi said. “My father always personified the values and principles of the pursuit of equality and justice, and it has been his teachings that I have sought to emulate throughout my life. Therefore, when a father or mother, son or daughter, husband or wife, chooses to serve in distant seas or distant countries, let us always keep in mind and never take for granted that they respond to a noble calling so that we can enjoy the rights and privileges that American democracy gives us.”