Remembering America’s Heroes

Memorial Day was just a few days ago — a long weekend that, for many, meant the start of summer, cookouts, family time, and lake trips. While enjoying those blessings, we must never lose sight of why we can. Behind every American flag flying in the warm breeze is a legacy of blood, sacrifice, and courage. Memorial Day is not just another holiday. It is a sacred time to pause and reflect — to honor the men and women who laid down their lives in service to our nation.
These heroes didn’t die for recognition or glory. They fought — and fell — for our freedoms, our Constitution, and for generations they would never meet. As Scripture says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

A History of Bravery
Since the birth of this country, American soldiers have stood on the front lines of liberty, answering the call of duty in times of global conflict and national crisis. Each war has left its own mark on our nation’s soul:

• American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) – Our fight for independence from British rule.
• War of 1812 (1812–1815) – Defending our young nation from foreign invasion.
• Mexican-American War (1846–1848) – Expanding and securing our nation’s boundaries.
• American Civil War (1861–1865) – A costly internal struggle for union and freedom.
• Spanish-American War (1898)
• World War I (1914–1918, U.S. involvement)
• World War II (1939–1945)
• Korean War (1950–1953)
• Vietnam War (1955–1975)
• Gulf War (1990–1991)
• War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
• Iraq War (2003–2011)

And in countless other missions, operations, and battles, American service members have stood tall — many never coming home.

How We Remember
Originally called “Decoration Day” following the Civil War, Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. It is observed each year on the last Monday in May.
Across the country, Americans mark the day in different ways:

• Laying flowers and flags at cemeteries
• Visiting war memorials and attending parades
• Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time
• Hearing “Taps” echo through the air at veteran ceremonies
• Flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon
  And for many, it’s also a day of connection — reaching out to Gold Star families, listening to their stories, and reminding them that their loved ones are not forgotten.

A Sacred Duty
On Memorial Day — and every day — let us not just remember the fallen, but honor them by how we live. Let us recommit ourselves to the values they died defending: liberty, unity, justice, and peace.

We owe them more than thanks — we owe them our best.

They are the best of us.