Klobuchar Honors Memorial Day at Ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar took part in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where she delivered remarks honoring the service and sacrifice of America's fallen service members.

At the ceremony, Klobuchar placed flowers at the grave of her father, Jim Klobuchar, who is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Jim Klobuchar served during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Germany and assigned to write anti-communist material in support of the U.S. efforts during the Cold War.

To honor Memorial Day, Klobuchar was also in Little Falls for the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. At the Fort Snelling Ceremony, Klobuchar said,

"To all our Minnesota service members, veterans, and military families, thank you. You are all part of a proud tradition of men and women in our state who have served with honor, bravery, dignity, and humility," said Klobuchar. "Today, we're honoring heroes like Master Sergeant Nicole Amor from White Bear Lake, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in Kuwait. Master Sergeant Amor was a dedicated soldier who served with distinction for nearly 20 years in the United States Army Reserve. She lived a life of service and love for her children and husband Joey."

"Honoring the heroes we've lost - and the veterans who are still with us - is a responsibility we all take seriously in Minnesota no matter how long it takes to bring a hero home. Like Army Captain Willibald Charles Bianchi, who more than 80 years after he was killed in action during World War II, the Department of Defense identified his remains last August and, earlier this month, Minnesotans welcomed him home to his final resting place. Captain Bianchi showed extraordinary bravery and saved lives in the face of overwhelming enemy forces, earning the Medal of Honor. He made the ultimate sacrifice as a Prisoner of War aboard a Japanese prisoner ship in 1945. He was 29 years old. Earlier this month, he completed his long journey home when we welcomed him to his eternal place of rest in New Ulm, where he grew up," Klobuchar said. "On this Memorial Day, we carry that spirit forward in remembering the heroes whose commitment to our country never wavered, even during the most difficult times. To all those who served, who are serving, or who are remembering a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you today and every day."