Today, Heritage is proud to honor the men and women who gave their lives defending our country. In the midst of barbecues, parades and the beginning of summer, we want to take a moment to remember what today is truly all about.
Memorial Day, the most solemn American holiday, traces its history back to the Civil War era, when private citizens designated a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Today, the day is meant to honor all who gave their lives in military service in all of America’s wars.
While we celebrate the holiday and honor the past, we must also remember to honor those who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice every day. The men and women in America’s armed forces are unmatched. Each of them has given of themselves and volunteered to fight the nation’s wars. Many of these soldiers will spend this Memorial Day in the mountains of Afghanistan or in the deserts of Iraq and Libya far from their families and friends. Their sacrifice and courage should remind us of our commitment to support them not just today.
The freedoms we enjoy are paid for by those we honor, both the fallen and those still fighting. Our nation is truly thankful.
