On Monday, we had the opportunity to observe another Memorial Day and pay our respects to all those men and women who gave their lives for our country while serving in the armed services. This is also a time when we can personally reach out to thank all of our Gold Star Families. The Gold Star Family tradition began during World War I when military families displayed flags or banners that included a blue star for every family member serving in the war. In the event of death, they changed out the blue star for a gold star.

As I drive back and forth to Lincoln, I often listen to audiobooks to help pass the time. I recently listened to “No Place to Hide: A Brain Surgeon’s Long Journey Home from the Iraq War,” the first book published by Retired Airforce Major W. Lee Warren, MD. Dr. Warren performed over 200 brain and spine surgeries while deployed at a field hospital in Iraq. I would encourage everyone to get his book to understand better the working conditions and the trauma that went along with serving in the Iraq War. Dr. Warren is an incredibly talented neurosurgeon who now lives in North Platte with his wife, Lisa, where they operate the brain and spine wing at Great Plains Health. His book is a testament to some of the challenges and unbelievable conditions our military personnel face to protect our way of life.

Every Memorial Day, I am reminded of one of the final scenes in the popular movie “Saving Private Ryan.” The movie centers around a Gold Star Family with all three sons serving in World War II. Two of the sons were killed, and the third son, James Ryan, is still in combat. The military decides that his family has sacrificed enough and sends a team to bring James home. James’ retrieval team faces many battles, capped off by the battle at the bridge where their leader, Captain John H. Miller, is fatally shot and killed. Captain Miller tells Private Ryan with his dying breath, “Earn this… earn it.” The movie then skips ahead to Private Ryan taking his family to the cemetery, where he kneels down at the headstone of Captain Miller and says: “I hope that, at least in your eyes, I’ve earned what all of you have done for me.”

I cannot help but ask myself whether I have earned all that the men and women in the military have done for me. So many have given their lives so that I could grow up and raise my family in the greatest nation in history. God bless those who serve, and God bless America.

In addition to remembering those who lost their lives, I also use this day to thank all those who served who came home with a permanent disability, whether mental or physical. These individuals also deserve our respect and our help. As your State Senator, I will continue to focus legislation, whenever possible, to help our veterans spend the rest of their lives comfortably. I will again be introducing a bill to provide disabled veterans with less than full disability a way to reduce the property taxes on their homes. I will also work to make healthcare more affordable and available to those who gave so much.

In closing, I want to recognize my friend and colleague, Colonel Tom Brewer, who will be term-limited after his eight years in the Nebraska Legislature. Senator Brewer earned three purple hearts and is finishing up another 30-day trip to Ukraine, where he has worked alongside Ukrainian soldiers fighting for their freedom. Thank you, Tom, for your service, your friendship, and your leadership.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you regarding issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your State Senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the District and the State. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729.