As we celebrate Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and gratitude, we are called to reflect on the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who have served our country. At its core, Memorial Day is a time to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms and to learn from their selfless acts of service.

So as you go about your day, take time to reflect on the blessings you have because of the service and sacrifice of others you most likely will never meet.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Echoes of valor!

Remembrance:

One poignant example of sacrifice and service is the story of Sergeant First Class Paul Smith, a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Iraq War by President George W. Bush in a ceremony at the White House on April 4, 2005.

On April 4, 2003, Smith’s unit came under attack from enemy forces in Baghdad. Despite being outnumbered and under fire, Smith took charge of his men, manned a machine gun on an exposed position, and fought valiantly to protect his fellow soldiers. He made the ultimate sacrifice that day, saving countless lives through his courageous actions.

A Lesson Learned:

Smith’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and valor displayed by our service members in the face of danger. Sergeant Smith’s selfless act of putting others before himself exemplifies the values of honor, duty, and sacrifice that define our military heroes. Through his example, we learn the importance of standing up for what is right, of protecting those in need, and of never backing down in the face of adversity.

Gratitude:

In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

This Memorial Day, let us not only pay tribute to the fallen, but also express our gratitude through our actions. We can honor their memory by volunteering at veterans’ organizations, supporting military families, and advocating for policies that benefit our servicemen and women.

In the spirit of continuing the impact of Memorial Day, here are three things we can do to honor this day:

1. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony or parade in your community to pay respects to those who have served.

2. Visit a local veteran’s memorial or cemetery and leave flowers or flags to honor the fallen.

3. Support organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Fisher House Foundation.

Let us remember, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

On this Memorial Day, may we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, learn from their example, and live with courage and gratitude in their memory.

For those who are still with us and those currently serving, we salute YOU– your service and sacrifice. And to the families behind the soldiers, we honor you, too.

May this Memorial Day not go unnoticed by those who gave you the opportunity to have the freedoms we so frequently take for granted. Our freedoms come at a cost both in life and death.

Have a blessed Memorial Day!

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“