For well over a century, our nation has set aside this day to honor those fallen comrades who gave their lives in service to their country. On this Memorial Day, keep in mind that Gettysburg, Soissons, Coral Sea, Iwo Jima, Mogadishu, Kandahar, Fallujah and countless other patches of hallowed ground and sacred waters around the globe are not merely chapters from the pages of our history, but powerful reminders to all Americans that liberty has a cost – that freedom is not a birthright.

Today, as we combat terrorist forces in countless foreign lands, we are engaged in a war unlike any we have experienced. The ideals of selflessness and sacrifice embodied in the example set by those who served before us are as necessary as ever in the quest to guarantee ultimate victory and a safer world. Let us pause today to commit ourselves to continuing their noble efforts as we face the unknown challenges that lie ahead.

Those men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and beliefs did so because they truly believed in the idea of America. People throughout the world cite many reasons for our greatness. First among these is our founding axiom that all men and women are created equal and free. Others praise our government institutions, economic might, or preeminent military strength. All of these make America an envied model, but they are more the result than the cause of our greatness. Memorial Day provides an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on perhaps te true source of our greatness: a national spirit that imbues so many with the will to give what President Lincoln called, "The last full measure of devotion" to defend a cause that is larger than self. Your families and your countrymen are proud of your service. Thank you for all you do and for the significant contributions each of you make every day in defending our Constitution and our way of life. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Semper Fidelis,
J.M. Paxton Jr.
Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps