One only has to look at the performance of the economy to understand how it shapes the perspective of America's youth about military service.

For the freedoms our founding fathers not only dreamed about, but made into reality. It is that same pursuit of freedom today that is helping to make our world a safer place.

The more we focus on using renewable fuels, the less we are dependent upon foreign oil.

Since far fewer people are recruited to serve in a voluntary military, the connection between America and its military is increasingly tenuous and less personal.

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.

We also very importantly recommend continued growth in the Army and the Marine Corps end strength.

My hope is that we continue to do an even better job in terms of our nation's energy policy, so that we may even further reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil and take better care of our environment in the process.