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2016 Memorial Day Message

                


Memorial Day is a holiday for remembering the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who served and sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. Whether you observe this day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, or by holding family gatherings and participating in parades, we ask that you take an added moment, on this 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, to pay tribute to 28 of our own who lost their lives during a SCUD missile attack just two weeks after the unit’s arrival in theater.  

In his Gettysburg address, President Abraham Lincoln reminded us that our fallen shall not have died in vain, that we the living could only honor them through increased devotion to the cause for which they so willingly gave their lives.

Today, more than 200,000 Soldiers and Civilians of the U.S. Army Reserve honor the lives of prior generations through humble, patriotic and selfless service. All of you, alongside your Families, make it possible for us to protect and defend America’s vital strategic interests around the world.

We honor all of them and their Families with our heartfelt thanks.



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