Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance, reverence, and gratitude for the brave patriots who have laid down their lives in service to our great Nation. Throughout our history, brave men and women have been called to defend the cause of liberty on foreign shores in defense of our homeland. Their noble sacrifices are marked by flag-draped coffins and the silent sorrows of those left behind. We must never forget those who have given everything for our country.
America's Gold Star Families—whose sons, daughters, wives, and husbands are among the honored—endure unfathomable heartache. Their loved ones selflessly gave everything to protect our sovereignty. They have our unwavering support, deepest gratitude, and highest respect. The lives lost in war serve as a solemn reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength.
We are eternally indebted to our Nation's fallen heroes. On this solemn day, as we honor their sacrifice, the First Lady and I ask all citizens to join us in prayer that Almighty God may comfort those who mourn, grant protection to all who serve, and bring blessed peace to the world.
(Presidential Proclamation, Memorial Day 2025)
Here are some ground rules for this Memorial Day
1. Don't wish me a Happy Memorial Day - there is nothing happy about brave men and women dying for their country.
2. It’s not a holiday or a sale, it’s a day of remembrance of our fallen military . . . period.
3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local Veterans Cemetery, not freaking Disneyworld or a sale.
4. Don't tell me how great anyone in political power is, tell me about Navy Seal David Tapper, LCpl. Charlie McGrath, Navy Petty Officer Jon Richard Morvay, Army Specialist Bruce “Michael” Miley, Sgt. Donald Lamar Jr., Col. Robert Howard, Staff Sgt. Franklin Miller, Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller, Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Pvt. John Steele, and Cpl. Ira Hayes...Don't recognize them? . . . that's easy, plug their names into Google and be prepared to be amazed and honored at their exploits.
5. Attend a Bell Ceremony and shed some tears.
6. Don't tell me I don't know what I am talking about, I have carried the burden all too many times for my fellow warriors who now stand their post before God.
7. Say a prayer, and then raise a glass and thank God for the men and women who have paid the ultimate price and who are no longer here. If you are so inclined, pour some out. I will be raising a glass for my fallen Brothers who I served with.
8. Remember the Fallen for all the Good they did while they were here.
7. And remember, the time to thank a living Veteran is in November on Veteran's Day.
Last but not least “SPEAK THEIR NAMES”!
This Memorial Day, if you visit a cemetery, please do not disturb the coins placed on the headstones of Veterans.
- A penny is just a simple sign that the grave was visited and respects were paid.
- A nickel means that the visitor spent time with the deceased at boot camp.
- A dime means that the visitor served with the deceased at some point in time.
- Finally, a quarter indicates that the visitor was present at the time when the deceased fell.
Please never stop remembering their souls! They gave their lives for our freedom!
Thank You!!