Remembering the Fallen this Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend, I am thinking greatly about individuals in our armed forces who fought and died for our country throughout our nation’s history. Originally known as Declaration Day, this holiday began in the 1800’s following the Civil War when widows and family members made it tradition to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers who fought in the war. A little more than a century later, in 1971, Memorial Day was made an official government holiday and is one of the most important holidays in American history today.

American freedom isn’t free. American citizens are allowed more freedoms and individual rights than those anywhere else in the world, and we have the brave men and women in our nation’s military to thank for this. I believe we are extremely lucky to live in the country that we do. The United States is like no other, and although no government is perfect, our forefathers laid the foundation for a unique state where citizens can think for themselves, practice any religion they choose, speak freely, make decisions to benefit themselves and their families and always strive to achieve a better life.

Since our country was founded, people have recognized that these are things to fight for. This is why our military continues to engage in combat to protect our country, our rights and our freedoms any time they are at risk. This is why countless young men and women enlist in the military each year giving their time, energy, strength and sometimes lives to protect the United States and those who live here.

I hope you find some time today to think about the great sacrifice so many soldiers have made to protect and serve our country. As George H.W. Bush once said, “Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend or neighbor.”