On Memorial Day our nation pauses to pay tribute to the lives and service of the military men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

More than one million American service men and women have died in the wars and conflicts this nation has fought since the first colonial soldier took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence. Collectively, Americans always hope that each war will be the last. Unfortunately, none has been.

As actions in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to try the nation's patience and test its courage, I am reminded of a statement that Patrick Henry made at the time of the American Revolution. He said, "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined."

Since 189 men fought and died for freedom at the Alamo in 1836, Texans have a tradition of military service. On the Capitol grounds in Austin, there are monuments honoring Texans who died or served in the Confederate States of America, the Spanish-American War, World War I, Pearl Harbor, World War II, Korea as well as veterans of certain brigades.

There is no monument on the Capitol grounds commemorating the 500,000 Texans who served in the Vietnam War. The nonprofit Texas Capitol Vietnam Memorial Committee on which I serve and is co-chaired by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa and Representative Wayne Smith, both Vietnam veterans, is working to raise $1.5 million to erect the Texas Capitol Vietnam Monument. You may read more about this project at: www.buildthemonument.org.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that monuments began being erected to honor those who fought the battle, rather than the battle itself. I am proud that as Texans we honored our state's most historic battle, that of the Alamo, with a Cenotaph listing the names of the men who died there; it also has bas-relief sculptures of some of the defenders.

Although no monument, award, medal or folded flag can replace a fallen loved one, through the years Texas legislators have passed bills that would both honor the military men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice and assist the families who carry on without them.

In November 2001, Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment that authorized the creation of up to seven state cemeteries for veterans and their eligible dependents. Three of those cemeteries have opened: Central Texas State Cemetery in Killeen; Rio Grande Valley State Cemetery in Mission; and State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. These state cemeteries will serve veterans in areas not served by one of the national cemeteries. Currently, there are no plans for additional national veteran cemeteries in Texas.

As one of only four Texas state senators who has seen active duty military service, I will continue to work to ensure that those who serve and the families of those who do not return will not be forgotten by the men and women in the Texas Legislature.