As a bona fide Army brat, Memorial Day has always meant something a little different to me.

Growing up on and around military bases, Memorial Day weekend wasn’t just about cookouts, lake days, or the unofficial start of summer. It was a time of remembrance. We attended ceremonies honoring fallen soldiers. Flags lined the roads. Families gathered quietly at memorials and cemeteries. There was a deep understanding that this day existed because brave men and women gave everything for our country.

Over the years, I’ve noticed fewer people talking about the true meaning behind Memorial Day. Somewhere along the way, the holiday has slowly shifted into backyard barbecues, mattress sales, and long weekends. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying time with family and friends, I think it’s important that we don’t lose sight of why this day exists in the first place.

Memorial Day is about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. It’s about honoring the military members who never made it home to their families. The freedoms we enjoy every day were paid for by generations of Americans willing to lay down their lives for this country.

This year feels especially meaningful as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Two hundred and fifty years of freedom did not come without sacrifice. Memorial Day reminds us that liberty has always come at a cost, and there are families across this country who continue to carry that loss every single day.

One tradition I hope more Americans will embrace is the National Moment of Remembrance. Established by Congress, it asks Americans wherever they are to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember those who died in military service to the United States.

Just one minute.

One minute to stop the noise.
One minute to reflect.
One minute to honor the fallen.

This Memorial Day, enjoy your family gatherings, your time at the lake, and the beginning of summer — but also take a moment to remember the heroes who made those freedoms possible.

To all of the Gold Star families and those remembering loved ones this weekend, we honor and remember with you.

 

And from one Army brat who grew up understanding the importance of this day — thank you to those who gave everything for our country.