Memorial Day 2018

We all know by this point what this coming Monday means. It is a solemn day of remembrance. A day on which we look back upon the bloodsoaked battlefield, the fond memories we have of those lost. We remember their laughter, their pranks, and their smiles. We remember the best qualities about them.We have tried to make each Memorial Day a day in which we take stock of our lives. As those who were given the gift of being able to come back home from war, we ask ourselves if we are being proper stewards of that gift. Are we making those that gave everything, who paid the ultimate cost...proud, with our actions?We knew a few, heroes really, kids to many others, but in reality, giants. Giants that many in the world would never get the honor and privilege of knowing. Giants. Larger than life men and women. We remember you all on this hallowed day.We will try not to weep and mourn, but rather be proud of the fact that you knew us and you counted us as brother or sister. In the end, we are family. We are honored by your sacrifice and as we live each year, we strive to take those small lessons you may not have even known you were teaching and put them to practice in our lives.We take these habits and traits from you and carry them forward, singing your victory song. Proudly we tell of your exploits, your virtues, and your contagious smiles. Your life may have ended overseas but we carry you with us until our dying day.

As we become fathers, mothers, uncles, and aunts, we teach our children about your sacrifice and heroism. We tell them of your life, and how you held no fear of death, as you boldly carried out the mission.As always, we raise our glass to you, our brothers and sisters, we'll never forget you.