As many of us gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we pause not for celebration, but for solemn remembrance. This sacred day is set aside to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of our nation, our freedoms, and the values we hold dear.
Memorial Day traces its roots back to the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities across America began holding tributes to fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and remembering them in prayers. Originally known as Decoration Day, it became an official federal holiday in 1971 and has since become a national moment of remembrance and reflection.
As believers, we understand that true freedom comes at a cost. The men and women we honor today demonstrated a love so great that they were willing to lay down their lives for others, echoing the words of Jesus in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Today, we honor their sacrifice. We pray for their families. And we recommit ourselves to upholding the ideals for which they fought: faith, freedom, and family.
We are grateful to stand alongside you for these values in our homes, our churches, and our nation. May we never take for granted the high price of liberty or the blessings we’ve inherited.
With gratitude and respect,
Craig DeRoche
President & CEO