Honoring those who have died in the service of our country is a tradition that was first recognized as a federal holiday in May 1868.
Memorial Day allows us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
In his famous inauguration speech of January 1961, President Kennedy touched on service and sacrifice in this inspiring passage:
“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.
I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.
The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it – and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Have a great week.
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