What Memorial Day Means to Those Who Serve

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." — Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President, 1945

While many celebrate the day outdoors alongside family and friends, others mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms, paying tribute to their memory in any way they can.

“Memorial Day is important to me because I honor those who have sacrificed their lives and their family's lives in pursuit of freedom for our nation,” said Army veteran Edwin Martinez. “What greater gift can one man or woman sacrifice to keep the U.S. free and maintain our way of life?”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran, David Daly, also holds Memorial Day close to his heart. He recognizes that many look forward to the long weekend, but encourages us all to look beyond the day off and remember the bravery of the men and women who served.

“It has been said that one of the greatest tragedies is to be forgotten,” said David Daly. “As people take the opportunity afforded them by the long weekend associated with Memorial Day, it is important to remember why the day exists. For me, the day reminds me of friends lost and the horrors of war. At the same time, it reminds us all that while the day-to-day events of the world often paint a picture of gloom and doom, we still live in a place where heroes are among us. While these brave souls have passed in service, their memory is honored on Memorial Day to remind us that we had the privilege of existing on the same plane as them, even if it was only for a moment.”

Learn more about Memorial Day by checking out the Wounded Warrior Project here:  https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/What-is-Memorial-Day-Facts-Meaning-and-History