Our most sacred day

Dear American Legion Family and Friends,

Memorial Day, once again, is upon us.

As veterans and servicemembers we understand the true meaning of the holiday, which too often gets blurred with media touting mattress sales and other trivial pursuits. Instead, the holiday represents a sacred day when we pause to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

Throughout our nation, American Legion Family members will take time to honor our comrades. Legionnaires will lead community-wide commemoration events (available resources include a suggested speech and ad, both available here). Sons of The American Legion squadrons will place flags at the resting places of veterans. And the American Legion Auxiliary will share the inspiring message of Poppy Day, which is Friday. (Learn how you can get involved.)

These are among the ways we honor our pledge to remember the sacrifices of veterans. I hope you will take time to honor at least one veteran on Memorial Day. That could mean placing a flag or wreath at a gravesite. It could be participating in a remembrance event at your post, in your community or elsewhere. Or it could represent a solemn moment of reflection.

(Let us know how you, your post or other group honored veterans on Memorial Day. Share your story with us.)

Regardless of how you honor the fallen this weekend, I thank you.

As the nation’s largest and most influential veterans service organization, The American Legion is the country’s leader in educating the public about Memorial Day, what service and sacrifice mean, and the role we play in communities.

Your support for this sacred day and value truly demonstrates how The American Legion is …

Veterans Strengthening America.

Paul E. Dillard

National Commander

The American Legion