Friend,

Every year on Memorial Day, I take time to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen heroes — the men and women who took the same oath I did to serve and protect our country, and who gave everything to fulfill that oath.

I’m reminded of this passage from President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

That from these honored dead we take increased devotion. It is my solemn hope that this Memorial Day we can all be inspired by, and grateful for, those who have given their lives in service to our country and our democratic ideals.

So please, join me today in honoring those who lost their lives defending our freedom.

Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy Memorial Day.

Mikie