Remember

 

On every Memorial Day, our job is to remember those who fought to preserve our freedoms, our constitution, our way of life. We remember the sacrifices of sweat, blood, tears and time, and the tireless dedication of mind, soul, and body. We remember the selflessness and patriotism of our armed forces. We remember the old cliché that without them we would not have a country. Most of all, we remember the reason they fought for us.  

 

It is for our fallen that we observe this holiday. Because of them the future of our country possesses a metric, by which we and our fellow citizens can measure where America’s morality begins and where it ends. For them we remember, so that tyranny can never be allowed to flourish in the shadows, where our grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, friends, brothers, and sisters fell to depose them. But Memorial Day is also for those who respond before all others.

 

No matter who you are—no matter your background or your politics—do not forget the origins of our nation’s freedoms. Do not forget our constitution and the people’s unity that it was written to uphold. Do not forget our country’s one and only flag, or those who fight on our behalf, to defend our nation’s values. Do not forget the history of our fallen, etched into the fabric of the human story. Do not forget their names or who they represented.

 

If you believe this country is lost, heed the fallen soldiers. Even though they have fallen silent, they are shouting for you to cultivate this nation’s honor and expand its understanding. They are telling you they died for all of us.  

 

We all fall short. Those who truly fight on behalf of righteousness lift everyone up. Such is the lesson of Memorial Day. I hope you learn it well and remember always. To help you remember, read a book, watch a movie, or talk to a veteran. Then, say "thank you" and try your best to earn what they have given.

 

This week’s pick is "Saving Private Ryan" (Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, & Film Flex, 1998).

 

Thank you, Grandpapa.

 

--J.P.