WASHINGTON, D.C. - In observance of Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran

(R-Miss.) issued a statement honoring Mississippians who have given their lives in defense of the United States and encouraged the public to take time to remember the nation's fallen warriors.

Cochran submitted his statement to the Congressional Record in advance of Memorial Day.  As part of his tribute, Cochran recalls those with close ties to Mississippi who have been killed in the U.S. military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq since last year's holiday.  In it, he expresses appreciation and gratitude for the fallen and to the families they left behind.

"As we gather this year to commemorate Memorial Day, we can reflect on all of the Mississippians who have perished protecting our nation, whether in battles long ago or in the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq," Cochran said.  "I am particularly thankful for the bravery and dedication of those who have fought and died for our country in our defense.  We are blessed to live in a country that protects its citizens with such a fine, fighting force.

"This Memorial Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the courageous American soldiers who have given their lives for our nation and to thank their families.  Our fallen warriors are true heroes, and we owe them our solemn gratitude for their service and sacrifice," he said.

Since Memorial Day 2009, nine Mississippi soldiers have died while serving the

American people, including:

*        Lance Cpl. Phillip P. Clark, 19, of Brandon, died May 18, 2010

*        Sgt. Anthony O. Magee, 29, of Hattiesburg, died April 27, 2010

*        Army Pfc. Anthony Blount, 21, of Petal, died April 7, 2010

*        Staff Sgt. William S. Ricketts, 27, of Corinth, died February 27, 2010

*        Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, 26, of Natchez, died September 29, 2009

*        Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Newton, died August 21, 2009

*        Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro Granado, 42, of Fairfax, Va., died August 2, 2009

(Mississippi Guard)

*        Guard Sgt. 1st Class Severin W. Summers III, 43, of Bentonia, died August 2,

2009

*        Army Staff Sgt. Johnny Roosevelt Polk, 39, of Gulfport, died July 31, 2009.