Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Memorial Day was established as a day of commemoration of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation. America’s ideals of freedom, justice, and equal rights have all been challenged in our history. Thousands of American men and women have given their lives in many places around the world to secure those ideals. They sacrificed their lives to ensure a lasting peace for America’s future generations.

Our nation has consistently stood as a beacon of liberty and freedom in the world. Despite our tests, the United States has remained resolved to stand steadfast against those who would attempt to destroy the ideals we cherish the most. Our nation has always been determined to forge and achieve an enduring, everlasting peace — a peace with liberty and with honor. This continued determination and resolve, has been the highest form of tribute that we can pay to those who have given their all in the service and defense of this great nation.

This Memorial Day, as we spend times with our families and loved ones, we should all pause to reflect and pay tribute to the brave members of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. For those that have known the loss of a loved one and felt that absence, today gives a very formal expression to what is mostly a personal experience. Their loss can be marked, yet it can never be measured. We will never be able to measure the full value of what has been gained by the sacrifice of these men and women. We can however live out this value every day in the comfort and peace afforded to us by the freedoms they have safeguarded.

We will forever be indebted to those who have given their lives to the defense of this nation. Their sacrifice is one that none of us will ever be able to repay. Yet these men and women served for a cause greater than their own. They served for the cause of freedom. This cause is one that we should all rededicate ourselves to in their honor. To all those who we have lost in the wars of this mighty nation, there is little else we can say but ‘thank you.” Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for liberating the oppressed and saving the world from tyranny. On the behalf of a grateful nation, thank you.

More tomorrow on Everyday BRAND.