Podcast Summary: "Memorial Day: Remembering The Fallen" with Sen. Tim Sheehy
The Ben Shapiro Show, hosted by Ben Shapiro and produced by The Daily Wire, aired its Memorial Day episode on May 26, 2025. In this poignant episode titled "Memorial Day: Remembering The Fallen," Ben Shapiro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Senator Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL officer, to honor and reflect upon the significance of Memorial Day in the United States.
Introduction to Memorial Day and Its Significance
Ben Shapiro opens the discussion by highlighting the contemporary American tendency to overlook the true meaning of Memorial Day, often treating it as a mere vacation day. He remarks:
"It's easy to forget what the day is about because people sort of treat it as vacation day in the United States." [00:40]
Senator Tim Sheehy responds by emphasizing the importance of remembering those currently deployed overseas and the ongoing efforts to defend American ideals worldwide:
"They should be thinking about the men and women that are still deployed overseas... Keep commerce flowing worldwide. It's an incredibly important mission." [00:53]
Rebuilding the American Military Under the Trump Administration
The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's efforts in revitalizing the U.S. military. Ben Shapiro inquires about the administration's performance, particularly focusing on the Department of Defense and Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Senator Sheehy assesses the administration's actions positively, acknowledging the challenges of transforming such a vast organization:
"They've come in with a purpose, with an aggression that's absolutely needed. They've reformed and refocused our military." [02:09]
He contrasts this with the prior administrations, criticizing the perceived weaknesses that emerged during the Obama and Biden years:
"During the Obama years and then especially during the last four Biden years... we saw weakness all over the world." [02:09]
Sheehy credits the current administration with instilling strength, focus, and aggression necessary to combat global threats effectively.
Concerns Over China as a Geopolitical Rival
A significant portion of the discussion centers on China's rising military prowess and its implications for U.S. national security. Ben Shapiro raises concerns about China's capabilities in regions like the South China Sea and the potential threat to Taiwan.
Senator Sheehy articulates deep concerns regarding China's rapid military advancements:
"China builds ships 230 times faster than we do. They have a standing army that... is, you know, 10 times bigger than ours." [03:22]
He references a recent air dominance battle between Pakistan and India to illustrate China's superior integrated air dominance technology:
"It appears as if the Chinese integrated air dominance technology beat the Western technology 5 to 0. So that's a very big concern." [03:22]
Sheehy underscores the urgency for the U.S. to bolster its military readiness to prevent potential conflicts, emphasizing past lessons where the U.S. had to endure significant losses before effectively countering threats.
The Imperative of Maintaining Naval Superiority
Ben Shapiro touches upon America's soft and economic power, linking it to the ability to project military force globally, especially in maintaining open sea lanes essential for global commerce and technological supply chains.
Senator Sheehy concurs, elaborating on the foundational reasons behind America's naval strength as stipulated by the Constitution:
"Our founding fathers and our Constitution stated very clearly that we are constitutionally required to provide and maintain a navy." [06:51]
He explains that a strong navy ensures the freedom of navigation, which has been the backbone of the global economy for over eight decades. Sheehy warns that without maintaining this naval prowess, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. risks ceding control to adversarial forces like China.
Personal Reflections: Senator Sheehy's Motivation and Tribute
Transitioning to a more personal narrative, Ben Shapiro invites Senator Sheehy to share his motivations for joining the military, especially in the context of Memorial Day.
Senator Sheehy recounts childhood experiences that ignited his passion for service:
"I saw this image... an American soldier... fighting the fight so that we could be safe back at home." [08:56]
He shares his journey through the military, meeting his wife at the Naval Academy, and serving as a Navy SEAL. Sheehy underscores the profound loss felt from losing comrades in service, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by military personnel.
"I wear them every day and think about him on a daily basis." [10:51]
He specifically honors a fellow soldier, Ben Tiffner, whose mentorship and subsequent death in Iraq left a lasting impact on him.
Closing Remarks and Tribute to Fallen Heroes
As the episode concludes, Ben Shapiro and Senator Sheehy exchange acknowledgments, honoring the fallen heroes of the military. Sheehy's final words encapsulate the essence of Memorial Day:
"The only way we can really do that is if we have those people who've... are willing to make that sacrifice all over the world for all of us." [08:56]
Shapiro expresses gratitude for Sheehy's service and his commitment to honoring America's fallen heroes, reinforcing the episode's central theme of remembrance and respect.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Shapiro: "We have to be ready to defend our interests globally." [06:51]
- Senator Tim Sheehy: "Last time we had great power competition in the Pacific, we got our ass kicked for the first year." [03:22]
- Senator Tim Sheehy: "This is about the best damn governance, experience and experiment that's ever happened in the history of mankind." [08:56]
Conclusion
In this Memorial Day episode, The Ben Shapiro Show effectively balances political discourse with personal reflection, offering listeners both a strategic overview of current military and geopolitical challenges and a heartfelt tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the United States. Senator Tim Sheehy's insights provide a sobering reminder of the ongoing responsibilities the nation bears in maintaining its military strength and honoring its fallen heroes.