In July of 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. The experiment in freedom that officially began in 1776 was preceded by acts of the Continental Congress to establish the Continental Army (June 14, 1775), Continental Navy (October 13, 1775) and Continental Marines (Nov. 10, 1775). Though the Colonies had yet to declare independence from Great Britain, the seeds had been planted and a military had been formed.

The rest is history — 251 years worth. Today, America celebrates on the backs of all who served in all branches of the U.S. Military. Freedom was forged through the fire and hell of war. Thousands paid the price. Thousands never saw home again. Thousands had their lives forever changed. The nation remembers.

Decoration Day, as it was originally called, became a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30, 1868 to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Flowers were placed on graves along with other tributes. After World War I, the tribute was modified to include U.S. Military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday recognized on the last Monday in May.

Every Memorial Day, parades, solemn ceremonies, laying of wreaths and various other commemorations honor the fallen and recognize the living. This year, each event is magnified by the nation’s milestone, not only for recognizing the past, but for preparing for the future.

Generations have passed since the nation’s earliest conflicts and all since, including those in the 20th century. There are many today who are unaware of America’s involvement in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam and possibly Desert Storm and even the war in Iran. There may be little knowledge of the origins of Memorial Day itself, aside from picnics, a vacation day or the unofficial start of summer. Education is vital. The importance of linking the past, the present and the future has never been more consequential.

President Ronald Reagan, in a speech on July 6, 1987, said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.”

Likewise, each generation must learn and understand what has come before and why, and what would life and the world be had certain actions not been taken.

What if the Third Reich had not been defeated in World War II? What if the U.S. had not been involved to help our European allies? We would see a much different world today. The same “what ifs” apply to every conflict involving American forces. Many nations owe a debt of gratitude. Their cemeteries are lined with fallen Americans.

In 2026, fighting for freedom requires not only military might, but an ironclad resolve to fend off false rhetoric that distorts and diminishes America’s role in preserving and protecting liberty in today’s world and throughout history. Education must win out over radical indoctrination.

As President Reagan warned, defending liberty is never-ending.

“We proudly choose freedom,” he said.

Since the formation of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines in 1775, the United States Military has changed the course of history. Not just our own, but world history as well. The U.S. has answered the call time and again, standing shoulder to shoulder with allies or going it alone if the situation dictated.

Today, the Armed Forces of the United States include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. The men and women who serve do so with honor and deserve the respect of all.

Thank you to all who have served our great nation. We are lucky to live in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, may you rest in peace as true heroes. To those still serving, Godspeed. We salute the Armed Forces of the United States: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.

God Bless our troops and God Bless America.