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A message from retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president:
Memorial Day 2025 falls between two monumental 80th anniversaries in our nation’s history — the end of World War II in Europe and in the Pacific.
Speaking to the nation following the unconditional surrender of Japan on Sept. 1, 1945, President Harry S Truman said that “our first thoughts” go to the loved ones of those who did not come home.
“On land and sea and in the air, American men and women have given their lives so that this day of ultimate victory might come and assure the survival of a civilized world,” Truman said. “No victory can make good their loss.”
“We think of those whom death in this war has hurt, taking from them fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and sisters whom they loved,” Truman added. “No victory can bring back the faces they longed to see.”
It has been custom in our country since businesses closed their doors in Waterloo, New York, on April 5, 1866, so residents could visit the graves of Civil War veterans.
Whether called Decoration Day or Memorial Day, the practice of pausing to show reverence for the fallen remains unchanged.
As members of the nation’s oldest military organization, we believe in the value of service. And we know the virtue of sacrifice.
In his first address at Arlington National Cemetery in May 2001, President George W. Bush noted, “It is not in our nature to seek out wars and conflicts.”
“But whenever they have come, when adversaries have left us no alternative, American men and women have stood ready to take the risks and to pay the ultimate price.”
Less than six months later, our adversaries came. More than 800 Guardsmen gave their full measure in the Global War on Terrorism. Their names are etched on the Memorial Wall in the National Guard Memorial Museum.
This Memorial Day, their names will be spoken at public events and private gatherings. Many of you know one or more of them.
Let us pause to honor the sacrifice of every Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman and Airman who made the ultimate sacrifice and recommit to living lives worthy of their sacrifice.
