Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States, holds a profound significance. Veterans Day and Memorial Day are important holidays in the United States that honor military personnel but have different purposes and meanings.

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May. It is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the men and women who died while serving in the military. As we commemorate Memorial Day, we honor and remember these brave souls who dedicated their lives to our great nation. 

The courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed for the cause of freedom are not just individuals but the very foundation of the freedoms we cherish today. Their service has ensured our liberty and provided us with opportunities.

We must uphold and strengthen this national and local liberty as a testament to their sacrifice. Thomas Jefferson wisely said, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

We should always honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service for our country. It is essential that we, as a nation, honor these heroes, the brave few who became legends on the battlefield while fighting our nation’s enemies. In peacetime or wartime, all veterans gave some, and some gave all for our country.

This country owes an immeasurable debt to those who sacrificed their lives for our nation, as well as to the families who have lost their loved ones, whether a son or daughter, a mother or father, an uncle or aunt, or a grandparent. As we pay our deserved tribute to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we also honor their families.

In the last 35 years, around 25,000 children have lost an active-duty parent in the military. A staggering 97% of the casualties are men, leaving single mothers to provide for their families. Among these families, 60% struggle to make ends meet, with 53% of surviving spouses earning less than $50,000 annually.

The survivors often feel an indescribable emptiness and a sense of loneliness while sometimes experiencing a lack of appreciation. They face life challenges in a way that most others do not. We should all strive to support them by offering ongoing support and a sense of community.

Many people participate in various activities on Memorial Day to honor those who died defending our country. These activities include visiting cemeteries and memorials, joining parades and ceremonies, and spending time with family and friends.

As we observe Memorial Day, we should remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We should never forget their sacrifice and strive to uphold the values they fought and died for. America will only remain the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave.

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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.