Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and respect. It is a day dedicated to the memories of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Throughout America’s 243 years of history, its citizens have given up their sons and daughters for the sake of world peace and freedom.

America’s intent has never been to conquer and suppress, but rather to defend and assist.

Those who have answered the call to duty, the call to serve in the defense of principles greater than themselves, cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to sacrifice their lives to preserve our way of life.

Wherever they answered that call – on the foreign soils of Europe, the islands of the South Pacific, the northern reaches of Korea, the rivers and jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq, or any of a host of other crossroads of conflict – these American men and women stood their ground and defended our founding principles.

Because those brave men and women gave everything, we live today in gratitude and remembrance.

As Americans, it is our solemn obligation to remember their sacrifice.

On May 27th, we encourage all Georgians, young and old, to participate in a local Memorial Day Observance to honor those who died in service to our nation. 

On behalf of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, I urge all Georgians to take a moment this Memorial Day, to remember our fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation, and say, “Thank you.”

-- Commissioner Mike Roby
Georgia Department of Veterans Service