LEXINGTON, Ky (LEX 18) Putting politics aside and focusing on the country’s fallen was the mindset of two political opponents as they set out to mark a somber holiday.
For retired Marine Amy McGrath, Memorial Day is personal. She stood in front of dozens of veterans at the Richmond Cemetery in Madison County speaking candidly about men and women she served alongside who ultimately gave their lives for our country.
"I wrote it from the heart, this is what this day is about. It’s about them. It’s about our country," said McGrath.
Representative Andy Barr also paid tribute to the fallen while speaking at the Lexington Cemetery. Barr himself doesn’t come from a military background but said he has family members who have served, including his grandfather who is buried at Lexington Cemetery.
"It’s personal for our family to come see him and my other grandfather, who served in World War II in the Atlantic, and my father was a Vietnam era veteran as well," said Barr.
Each candidate, refusing to talk politics, instead urging their fellow Americans, to take a moment to remember what Memorial Day is really about.
"Just your presence, your presence here, honors those who gave their lives for this country and I think that in and of itself is really important," said McGrath.
"Memorial Day is about honoring the service and sacrifice of all of those heroes, and patriots, who came before us who because of their service secured the freedoms that we enjoy today," said Barr.
