This Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who have served, those who continue to serve—and those we’ve lost.
I would like to take a moment to honor these brave individuals. Your courage, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice allow us to live in freedom. There is no greater gift.
“Remember those who served before.
Remember those who are no more.
Remember those who serve today.
Remember them as we eat and play.”
— Emily Toma
Deepest Gratitude to Military Families
To the families of these heroes—thank you. Your quiet strength and unwavering support make every act of service possible. Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that freedom is never free. It’s built on the sacrifices of real people and the loved ones they leave behind.
“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle.
It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”
— General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.
Memorial Day is To Remember The Sacrifices We Cannot Forget
Every deployment means missed birthdays, anniversaries, first steps, graduations, and even funerals. Many of our service members return home changed—physically, emotionally, spiritually. The weight they carry doesn’t just rest on their shoulders, but on their families’ as well.
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
— Maya Angelou
What these men, women, and their families endure is often unimaginable. And yet, they do it—for us. Their resilience and service deserve more than one day of remembrance—they deserve our ongoing respect and gratitude.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
They have earned our undying gratitude.”
— President Harry S. Truman
Make Gratitude a Daily Practice
Memorial Day is a time to reflect, but also a time to act. Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a practice. It’s a choice to notice what you have, honor who gave it to you, and live in a way that reflects that appreciation.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words but to live by them.”
— President John F. Kennedy
Simple actions—like thanking a veteran, showing kindness to a neighbor, or volunteering in your community—can be acts of remembrance. The more we appreciate, the more we connect to the meaning of this day and to each other.
In Honor and Remembrance on Memorial Day
To every veteran, active duty service member, and military families: Thank you for your service, your strength, and your unseen sacrifices. You are deeply appreciated, today and always.
“That I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me.”
— Lee Greenwood
May we never forget.
May we always remember.
May we live our gratitude out loud.
For more information about Memorial Day: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/remembering-the-real-reason-for-memorial-day
