At American Legion Post 2001, we strive for excellence in all areas. We come together as a safety net, supporting community activities and paying rent for veteran families who need financial assistance. We also remind our constituents, and audience, why we take so much pride taking care of our own.

Memorial Day is one of those holidays that makes us reflect on what it means to be an American. How many men and women sacrificed their lives to protect, strengthen, or uphold our way of existence? Approximately 1.2 million soldiers, troops, enlisted, and officers gave their lives during U.S. wars. That’s 1.2 million mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons. That’s 1.2 million people with hopes, ambitions, personalities, and ideologies so engrained in American culture that they wore a uniform, stood in the trenches, and bled the color of patriotism.

What makes Americans unique? Why should we honor those whose lights were extinguished on the battlefield? What are we fighting for? According to sociological data from the Pew Research Center, findings suggest that Americans differ from residents of other nations in our individualism and our belief in hard work to get ahead. Moreover, compared to other wealthy nations, Americans are also more religious and optimistic. Whether we agree with our blend of religious mantras or not, the result is freedom of speech and an ability to engage in sustainable worship.

The consumer sales, patriotic parades, long weekends and car shows are a part of our American heritage. We can celebrate the lives of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  However, let us not forget the brave men and women who died so that we could wave our flags during pool parties and holiday barbecues. Let us not forget that our way of life (good, bad, and ugly) is still a new democratic concept…a blossoming republic. If we do not honor our warriors and pay tribute to the way of life we created for ourselves, then what are we fighting for?

Stand with us and salute those 1,196,200+ Americans who became a part of our great heritage and history.

#MemorialDay2021