Memorial Day marks the official start of summer. While the holiday weekend is typically filled with travel and cookouts, this year the celebrations are muted. In this time of upheaval, it’s a wonderful chance for us to rediscover the meaning of the holiday.

All across America, there are families whose loved ones have given the ultimate sacrifice. Sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, these fallen soldiers gave everything that we might live in freedom.

As trite as it may sound to give everything, nothing could be more true. They gave up their entire lives. They gave up their families, their relationships, and their friendships. They gave up their possessions, homesteads, and livelihoods. They gave up their dreams and their futures. Many gave up the opportunity to form a family and welcome children of their own.

Today, just like every other day, the families that they left behind go about their lives, trying to adapt to their new normal. Nothing can ever replace the loss that they have offered for the safety and security of our Nation. These fallen heroes deserve our admiration, and their families deserve our support.

Tags: Community