John McGuire

Memorial Day offers a very "solemn" remembrance of those who "made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom and protecting our nation," Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., told Newsmax on Monday.

Appearing on "Wake Up America" with co-hosts Marc Lotter and Sharla McBride, McGuire — a retired Navy SEAL and member of the House Armed Services Committee — urged Americans to remember the true meaning of the holiday beyond backyard barbecues and the unofficial start of summer.

"Well, it's a very solemn day," McGuire said. "A lot of people think it's the beginning of summer, but it's really a time to honor and remember our fallen."

McGuire noted that roughly 1.3 million American men and women have died in service to the country since 1775, sacrifices he said allow Americans to enjoy the freedoms they often take for granted today.

The Virginia Republican also reflected on a recent visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he joined fellow lawmakers and veterans, including Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., and Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., in helping clean and preserve the memorial ahead of Memorial Day ceremonies.

McGuire said the annual effort serves as an important reminder of the cost of freedom and the courage of those who served during one of America's most divisive wars.

Among the stories he shared was his effort to help a Vietnam veteran who had been ordered by his homeowners' association to remove an American flag that had flown over a bunker in Vietnam.

"It took me a year and a half. It took me two appeals," McGuire said, recalling how the veteran had watched 26 Marines die in his arms during the war.

Eventually, McGuire helped restore the veteran's right to fly the flag during an emotional ceremony attended by Marines, fellow Navy SEALs, and local families.

"We know Marines are tough, but they had tears," McGuire said. "You can judge the character of a nation [by] how they treat those who are willing to lay down their life, and especially those who lay down their life for our freedom."

McGuire also praised President Donald Trump's leadership on national security, arguing America and its allies are safer under a stronger military posture and a tougher stance against Iran and global terrorism.

But the congressman emphasized that Memorial Day ultimately transcends politics.

"It's really a time to honor and remember our fallen," McGuire said.

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