Memorial Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. It’s a day when we pause from our busy lives to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. These heroes gave their lives to protect our freedom and ensure our safety, and it’s essential that we take this time to honor their memory.

As someone who has not served in the military, my understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members comes from a deeply personal place. My father, a veteran, has instilled in me a profound respect for those who serve. Through his stories and experiences, I have come to understand the immense courage and dedication required to serve in our armed forces.

Memorial Day is not just about remembering the fallen; it’s also about recognizing the enduring legacy they leave behind. These brave individuals left behind families, friends, and futures, all to protect the values that define our nation—freedom, justice, and democracy. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the responsibility we all share in preserving it.

As we reflect on the significance of Memorial Day, we must also extend our gratitude to the families they left behind. The strength and resilience of these families serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation. Their silent sacrifice underscores the profound impact of our fallen heroes’ service. They too deserve our deepest respect and appreciation.

Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and acts of remembrance. We lay wreaths, wave flags, and share moments of silence to honor those who have given their lives. These acts are not just traditions; they are vital ways to ensure that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten. They remind us to keep the memory of our fallen service members alive in our hearts.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." This powerful message calls us to honor the memory of our fallen heroes by continuing to strive for the ideals they fought so valiantly to protect.

As we observe Memorial Day, let us commit to living our lives with purpose and dedication to the values that our heroes died defending. Let us work towards a better, more just world in their honor. By doing so, we ensure that their legacy continues to inspire and guide us.

Let us always remember and honor the sacrifices made by our brave service members. May their memory be a blessing, and may we never forget the cost of our freedom. God bless them, their families, and our great nation.


Chris McKinney is an a lawyer in San Antonio, Texas. He primarily represents workers who have been injured at work, sexually harassed, or wrongfully terminated from their jobs.