I found out on Memorial Day that a soldier I had attended basic training with had been killed in Balad, Iraq. My heart broke for this man and his family. Suddenly, Memorial Day had acquired an entirely new meaning.

As a Soldier in the United States Army Reserve, I feel it imperative that I take it upon myself to remind those around me to remember those who have sacrificed all that they know and love when called upon to do their duty. When you become a Soldier, something inside you is forever changed. The bonds I share with those I serve alongside cannot be found elsewhere. Soldiers willingly give up all for the chance to defend the ideals this country was founded upon so others may share the quality of life we so often take for granted.

Remember not only those who given their lives but those who have survived only to return to a life different than the one they left. Remember that sacrifice means loneliness, isolation, and fear. You know not what the word means until family and friends are killed in action, relationships disintegrate or are never given the chance to form, dreams turn into nightmares, and what you cling to is the pride of putting on your uniform every morning.

Remember those who are stationed around the world, separated from their families and friends.

Remember those who faced the cruel nature of war and now live with those memories.

Remember the fallen; keep them from becoming the forgotten.

LTG Stultz sent out a wonderful message to all Reserve Soldiers; I would like to share part of that here because it perfectly describes how I feel:

‘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.”