Western South Dakota News

On May 23, 2024, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor to honor individuals who serve or have served in the United States military and to pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Thune emphasized that recognizing American servicemembers, including South Dakota National Guardsmen and personnel at Ellsworth Air Force Base, would be incomplete without acknowledging their families.

Thune’s prepared remarks included several key points: “Mr. President, May is a month dedicated to honoring our military,” he began. He highlighted Armed Forces Day, which was celebrated the previous Saturday, Memorial Day on the upcoming Monday, and Military Appreciation Month observed throughout May.

Quoting Ronald Reagan, Thune stated: “‘Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. The Marines don’t have that problem.’” He expanded this sentiment to all military members: “If you want to see people living a life of purpose... just look to the men and women of the United States military.”

Thune spoke about young Americans entering military service right after high school or college, contrasting their lives with those of their peers who pursue graduations and internships. “They embrace a life of regimentation and roll calls... A life that asks them to forgo comfort for sacrifice – up to and including the sacrifice of their lives.”

He acknowledged that these sacrifices are often unseen by civilians but crucial for daily freedoms: “It can be easy for us to forget... that those lives are only possible because these men and women spend their lives working to defend our country.”

Turning his thoughts specifically toward South Dakotans serving in armed forces, Thune praised members of the South Dakota National Guard and airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He noted recent accolades: “I’m proud to report that the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base was named the best bomb wing in Air Force Global Strike Command during the past year.” Additionally, he mentioned ongoing construction efforts at Ellsworth preparing it as home for the B-21 Raider.

Thune also recognized community support: “I’m also proud that the Black Hills Region... was named to the 2024 Class of Great American Defense Communities.”

Highlighting military families’ contributions, he remarked: “Life as a military spouse or as the son or daughter of a military member is often challenging.” These challenges include frequent moves and deployments alongside living with potential loss.

Concluding his address with words from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 proclamation on Bill of Rights Day—“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them”—Thune urged remembrance on Memorial Day: “We should resolve to remember... To remember, and recommit ourselves to living lives worthy of their sacrifice.”

He closed with a solemn invocation: "May God take to Himself all those who have fallen in service of our country, and may He comfort their families."