One of my greatest honors as Governor has been to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Delaware National Guard. I don’t say that because of the official duties that entails, but because of the remarkable men and women I have the opportunity to meet – individuals of the highest integrity who epitomize the bravery, dignity, and selflessness that we recognize this Memorial Day weekend.

These Delawareans exhibit the same qualities and dedication to duty to which we recently paid homage at a new memorial for our state’s Medal of Honor recipients. One of those individuals was Sergeant James P. Connor, a World War II Veteran from Wilmington with an unremarkable upbringing. In 1944, he was part of a mission in southern France to destroy enemy defenses. Injured three times, and eventually unable to stand, Sergeant Connor carried on, leading his platoon to accomplish their goals. This weekend, we reflect on the courage demonstrated by James P. Connor and so many like him throughout our history. It’s a courage we’re reminded of regularly by our troops today – like the 120 members of the 153rd Military Policy Company who returned home after completing their mission months ahead of schedule.

Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices they make – sometimes the ultimate sacrifice – in service to others. It is thanks to their triumphs – and their tragedies – that we enjoy the freedoms we have. We have an obligation to keep alive the memories of those we have lost and remember the gratitude we owe to the service members who follow in their footsteps – whose incredible passion for service keeps Delaware and our country moving forward.

Memorial Day weekend DUI and seat belt enforcement

Dover – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is wishing everyone a safe start to summer with their celebrations this Memorial Day weekend.  Officers will be working overtime to keep everyone safe as they travel by reminding motorists to buckle up and removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

Impaired driving overtime enforcement will be conducted over the weekend by Dover PD, New Castle City PD, New Castle County PD, Newark PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, Wilmington PD, and Delaware State Police.  The Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign began May 12^th and continues through Memorial Day weekend with 35 police departments and Delaware State Police participating statewide.

To stay safe and arrive alive, OHS has some road safety tips for Memorial Day weekend.

1. Check your speed. Plan your route in advance and be prepared to spend more time reaching your destination rather than speeding to get there faster.
2. Obey intersection safety rules. Motorcyclists, pedestrian, and bicyclist traffic also increases during the weekend. Traffic signals and stop signs are in place to maintain safe roadways for drivers, passengers and pedestrians sharing the road.
3. Buckle up. All passengers in the vehicle should use seat belts to keep them safe in the event of a crash.
4. If you are drinking, do not drive. Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation.

For more information visit www.ohs.delaware.gov, www.BuckleUpDE.org and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

DOVER –  In his weekly message, Governor Markell thanks military families and focuses on the importance of remembering those who gave their lives so we could enjoy our freedom.

“This Memorial Day weekend gives us time to look forward to the new season ahead filled with family activities.  But it’s also important to pause —   to remember those families who still grieve the loss of a son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister who gave their life  so we could enjoy our freedom,” said Governor Markell.  “ So many Delaware soldiers have died while during duties in Afghanistan or Iraq.  The liberty we enjoy today was won with their blood, and we cannot honor them enough.”

At noon every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form.  The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/B-upB_BLCrg
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
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Transcript of Governor Markell’s Weekly Message: Memorial Day – Remembering Those Who Sacrifice