Memorial Day is not about living. It is about those who gave their all during a time of war. The first official Memorial Day (first known as Decoration Day) took place on May 30, 1868. Through the years, the observance of the holiday has changed but not its meaning.

Throughout the United States, there are somber ceremonies that recognize
those men and women who have paid the ultimate price, so our country’s values and freedoms are upheld. We are coming through a pandemic, an event most of us have never experienced before. American lives were lost to the virus, and families have felt and continue to feel the pain of that loss. The loss of a loved one never deteriorates. No matter how long they have been gone. We carry the loss with us for the rest of our lives.

The United States is a strong nation. Our lifestyles and our freedoms cause
other countries to despise us, but we are resilient.  During our darkest
times, we have come back from the dust, the pain, and hatred. As Americans, we have pulled together and continue to pull together to rise above the pandemic and other events that have made us stronger.

So, this Memorial Day is different for all of us. As we honor those who have
paid with their lives to keep our country free and proud, we need to bring our focus back to EVERYTHING AMERICAN. We need to support each other. We need to support the small businesses, the local farmer and BUY AMERICAN.

For those who fought and died for our country and during the current pandemic, we must honor them by showing our pride in America, and so they did not die in vain we must focus on EVERYTHING AMERICAN.