As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us pause and remember the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer—it’s a solemn occasion to honor the legacy of those who laid down their lives in service to the United States and to express our heartfelt gratitude to every veteran who answered the call of duty.

To our veterans: Thank you. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms do not go unnoticed. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, from distant battlefields to home front service, your dedication has shaped the nation we are privileged to call home.

Many of us enjoy the liberties and opportunities of this country because of your unwavering defense of justice and democracy. Whether you served in combat, stood ready in times of peace, or supported missions from afar, your contributions are deeply appreciated.

Today, we also remember the fallen—the heroes who never came home. Their memory lives on in our hearts, in the flag that flies overhead, and in the freedoms we exercise each day. May we honor them not just with words, but with actions that uphold the values they fought to protect.

On this Memorial Day, let us offer not only our thanks, but our respect, our remembrance, and our commitment to never forget.

Thank you, veterans. We are forever in your debt.