Today, we remember and we are thankful

On this Memorial Day, there will be no parades and few ceremonies. For many people, placing flowers on a grave will be a heartfelt experience, more poignant during these difficult times in our world.

For me, it is an opportunity to consider on how we got to this place in our history and the path forward. I began the day silently reflecting on what Memorial Day symbolized for my father‘s generation who fought in World War II. They understood their war to be a patriotic and heroic effort to save the world from fascist aggression. It was a time of leadership, national unity, resolve, and ultimately, victory. All attributes that would serve us well today.

My profound thanks to those who gave their lives in service to our country in WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Korea, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and countless other incidents when American men and women lost their lives for our nation. Many of these conflicts produced deep divisions in American society and politics, some of which persist to this day. We will continue to tackle those issues tomorrow.

Today, we remember and are thankful.

Courage,

Earl