"We should thank God that such men lived"

As Memorial Day approaches each year, I reflect on the debt that each and every American owes to the heroes who have fought to preserve our freedoms. Throughout our history, more than one million Americans, in Lincoln’s words, “gave their last full measure of devotion” in our nation’s defense. This Memorial Day will be the 155th in our nation’s history, and rather than simply marking the beginning of summer, as Americans we should take the opportunity to honor those who have given their all.

This year is especially memorable for Central Washington, with the return of two of our veterans who went missing in action so many years ago: Private First Class Kenneth L. Bridger, of Colville, who was killed while serving with the United States Army’s Company K, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division in North Korea in November, 1950, and Commander Paul C. Charvet, of Grandview, who was lost on a mission over North Vietnam in March, 1967, while serving in the United States Navy. These men exhibited the very best of us: service, valor, sacrifice, and their stories stand out amongst the many heroes who have served.

Kenneth’s tale is striking, powerful, and memorable. Leaving his eastern Washington home to serve in the Army at the young age of 16, he soon found himself in one of the most horrendous battles that American soldiers have ever endured. Task Force McLean faced bitter cold, overwhelming Chinese attacks, and a long retreat through rugged terrain. He died a hero, in a remote place so very far from home. And for seven decades, his status remained as “missing in action.”

Paul’s story is equally moving. On March 21, 1967, Paul was flying what was supposed to be his last flight before returning stateside to his wife so they could settle down and start their family. Instead, his plane disappeared in an area of low cloud cover during a three-plane flight to support a naval gunfire mission—presumed to be gunned down by enemy fire. For the next 50 years, he remained missing and unaccounted for, adding uncertainty to his family’s sense of grief.

This year, these men were finally brought home to their families, where they belong, after so many years.

We can only wonder at the “might have beens” if Paul Charvet and Kenneth Bridger had gone on to achieve all that they were capable of in a long and happy life. But when I think on the losses we have sustained in the defense of America’s freedoms, I recall the profound words of General George Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”

I do thank God that these men lived and served. I salute them and send my best wishes to the Charvet and Bridger families for closure, serenity, and pride on this Memorial Day. Our freedoms are not free—I call on all Americans to join me in remembering and honoring those who have served and secured those liberties we enjoy each and every day.