Gary's Thoughts on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in defense of our nation, those who have served or are currently serving, and the families who stand strong and sacrifice alongside them.

Let us strive to make every day a day of honor and remembrance for these brave defenders of freedom. We will never forget them.

Dear Friends,

Memorial Day is always a special time for me. For the past ten years, it's been my privilege to support the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. This Sunday evening, my dear friend Joe Mantegna and I will co-host The National Memorial Day Concert on the lawn of the Capitol for the 11th time.

This year we'll be joined by many special guests including music legends The Beach Boys, country music star Trace Adkins, American Idol winner Trent Harmon, and the distinguished General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.). Joe and I had the pleasure of speaking with The General backstage last year. The significance of what the concert represents was obvious to each of us. We agreed that there was no place we'd rather spend our holiday than honoring our fallen heroes at this incredible event.

For so many, this weekend is an opportunity to have an extra day off, to attend a ball game, to eat some barbecue, or just relax in the backyard with family and friends. These are all certainly wonderful things, though as we gather together, I encourage you to also reflect on the meaning of this day. I pray that we always remember the fallen, that we never take their sacrifices for granted, that we all learn from the selfless service of the brave heroes who have given their last full measure of devotion.

I wish you and yours a safe holiday weekend. God bless.

-Gary Sinise