always remember, never forget

As we celebrate and honor those who have died in service of the United States of America - our nation and its values - we are reminded that freedom and peace are the end goal here. 

Not war which we pray will be outlawed and made obsolete. We are eternally grateful for those who gave up their lives and risked much to keep us safe and protect us. May their sacrifice fuel our efforts to make this world ever better. 

Memorial Day is so more than a day for merchandise sales or the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend reprieve.  It is a day we set aside as a nation to honor and remember the brave men and women who have died performing their duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

This nation has had 1,354,664 recorded deaths in all of America's conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terrorism. There are certainly more from the early wars, when record-keeping was not a priority. 

Each one of the fifty stars that adorns our flag represents the death of roughly 27,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who paid for the freedom Americans are afforded today. 

We offer prayers as well for all other lives affected and lost in the process.