“I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet, we must try to honor them -- not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.”
- President Ronald Reagan, May 21, 1982, Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery
Sacrifice: To give up something that is cherished for the greater good. The ultimate sacrifice, or as President Reagan said, the final sacrifice: the giving of one’s life for others. That men and women volunteer to join our Armed Services knowing that their lives might be taken in the pursuit of our liberty and freedom is to know no greater good. We honor these selfless and heroic men and women, the fallen, on this Memorial Day.
I am pleased to pay tribute to these patriotic Americans, particularly the Army Reserve Soldiers who have played a vital role in every American military and humanitarian mission of the last century. To date, more than 2,400 service men and women have perished during current contingency operations. Over 170 of those individuals were our colleagues in the Army Reserve. My prayers and thoughts are sent today to their wives and husbands, their children, their brothers and sisters and their parents. Their Families have suffered greatly from the loss of a loved one, and we will always remain mindful of their sacrifice.
Today, more than 206,000 trained Army Reserve Soldiers in units across the country stand ready to serve the Nation when called upon by the President of the United States. More than 27,000 Army Reserve Soldiers are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and some 20 other countries, as well as in the United States for homeland security missions. These men and women are part of the best trained, best led and best equipped professional military Soldiers our Nation has ever fielded.
Every day as Soldiers, we stand ready for the call of our Nation, as our fallen have for generations, whether in this country or in missions around the world. Memorial Day is the time to pause from our busy daily routines to remember and honor those who willingly serve, and especially those who made the final sacrifice so that we may enjoy the benefits of liberty today. The pride of service CSM Caffie and I hear from you when we visit or in correspondence is a true source of inspiration for us. We encourage you to continue talking to loved ones and colleagues about why you serve as a Warrior-Citizens and the honor and pride you have as Soldiers. Hearing Soldiers talk firsthand about the honor, pride, courage and sacrifices of Soldiering keeps the spirit of why it matters to all Americans alive. While we honor our fallen on Memorial Day, we must also help our fellow Americans to remember the importance of this day and to understand why we serve.
The National Moment of Remembrance, recognized by the President and Members of Congress, is a way for this Nation to pause and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. The National Moment of Remembrance calls for 'Taps' to be played at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day throughout America to honor the contributions of our fallen comrades. I encourage all of you to stop what you are doing at 3 p.m. and silently honor the service men and women who have gone before us. It is but a small token of the enormous debt owed to them – a debt we keep with faith and honor, but can never repay.
LTG Jack C. Stultz
Chief, Army Reserve
Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command
Read the 2009 Memorial Day speech provided to all Army Reserve leaders for use at local Memorial Day events world-wide.
See if the Army Reserve is participating in a Memorial Day event in your area.
Comment about this message and share your Memorial Day memories or honor a loved one on the My Army Reserve blog.
