Dear Friends,

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Although the date marks the unofficial beginning of summer, I feel that the origins of the remembrance should not be overlooked. Anyone who has served in our military or had a family member who enlisted, knows of the potential peril that may be faced. Memorial Day acknowledges and honors those who have given their lives in battle.

Have you ever visited Arlington National Cemetery? Their annual Memorial Day observance is the largest in our nation. What began as a 200 acre national cemetery in 1864 now spans 639 acres. The first combat casualty was interred at Arlington on May 14, 1864. It should be noted that including Arlington, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries. While not all of the veterans interred were combat casualties, the mere scope in numbers is staggering. I ask you to join me this Memorial Day for a five minute period of silence to remember, recognize and thank those service members who gave it all for us.  

Until next week,

Love,