On this Memorial Day as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado, let us reflect on the sacrifices of our beloved veteran brothers and sisters on this Memorial Day. I read in an American Legion article, that well over a million Americans have died in the service of the United States. Today, we remember and honor their sacrifice.

I served in the U.S. Army for 26 years. During that time, my combat deployments included the first Gulf War, and then Iraq and Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. In addition, I also served overseas in Korea and Italy along with numerous stateside assignments including the Pentagon. Over the years, I have seen my share of death and destruction.

Many have lost friends. Some died in combat, while others returned home but carried demons in their mind that ultimately led to suicide. For the past 50-60 years, many veterans contracted diseases and cancers from combat deployments such as Agent Orange in Vietnam, and the Gulf War Syndrome.

Today, we honor all their sacrifices and dedication to duty. We remember their names and faces. We look at the family and friends they left behind with gratitude and sadness. It is sad they did not return home to live out their days. Today, we remember them.

But let us not be sad. Let us remember and honor the fallen. Let us remember the sacrifices they fought and died for. Let us find the shining light that they would expect us to carry on. Let us remember the cost of freedom that so many have paid to ensure independence on our 250th anniversary.

They fought valiantly in the face of danger and never surrendered. They stood strong and proud. It can be a heavy burden on the families left behind, but this Memorial Day we remember the sacrifices of the fallen and we cherish those memories. Their dedication to duty and selfless service is embodied in the Bible verse: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John chapter 15, verse 13.

May God bless you, your family, and all the veterans that have died in the service of our country at home and abroad. And may God bless the United States of America.

Today, We Remember & Honor The Sacrifice Of So Many.

Last-Minute Bill Will Raise Energy and Heating Costs for Colorado Families