Last night, the Senate passed U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) resolution honoring Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz of Wentzille, Mo., and each of the 56 Missourians who gave their lives during the war in Afghanistan. U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) cosponsored the resolution and Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Fifty-six Missourians, including Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. They put their love of country and desire to defend American freedom before their own lives,” said Senator Hawley. “These brave Missourians embody the best of America and we are eternally grateful for their service. Their legacies will never be forgotten.”
“I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz and all of the Missouri service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan,” said Senator Blunt. “These heroes did what only the bravest and most extraordinary Americans do: risked their safety to protect and defend our country and the values we stand for. We must do our part, every day, to live a life worthy of their sacrifice – never taking for granted the freedom and security we have because they answered the call to serve.”
Rep. Luetkemeyer said, “In the wake of the September 11th attacks, Americans from all walks of life enlisted in defense of freedom and for two decades, the United States military fought for us in Afghanistan. During that time, 56 Missourians made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and their spouses, children, parents, grandparents and friends have had to continue living their lives without the people they love the most. We have the privilege of living in a free country because of these incredibly selfless servicemembers and are forever indebted to them and their families for their bravery. Missouri will never be able to repay these families for their service and sacrifice, but we will always remember.”
Senator Hawley introduced the resolution last week during a speech on the Senator floor.
“I had the privilege of speaking to Lance Corporal Schmitz’s family just hours after we learned of Jared’s death. I said this to them, and I promised that I would say for the whole nation: Jared Schmitz lived a life of honor, he lived a life worth living, and his sacrifice was not in vain,” Senator Hawley said in last week’s speech, before reading aloud the names of the 56 Missourians killed in the war in Afghanistan.