As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of our freedom, etched in the lives lost on battlefields near and far. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has been observed since the aftermath of the Civil War, a tradition born from the desire to remember and honor those who fought valiantly. Today, it stands as a powerful testament to the valor and dedication of our military personnel throughout history.