"They did not die for war. They died for peace."
It was a deeply meaningful experience for me to return to Tinian and serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. Tinian is more than just my hometown. It’s a place steeped in history, where the stories of service and sacrifice are woven into the land and into our identity as a people. Being back home allowed me to reflect not just on the island’s role in history, but on the lives and legacies of those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. My conversations with veterans over the past few months have added even more weight to what this day represents. Our veterans carry the memories and pain of their fallen brothers and sisters every day. On Memorial Day, we take a moment to shoulder that weight with them. Thank you to the people of Tinian for the invitation and for continuing to honor our heroes with such care and respect.