Monday is Memorial Day.
However, before you start the first long weekend of the summer, open that first beer, uncork that bottle of wine, and start that barbecue, I ask you to please take a moment to “Remember and Honor” all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation.
“Today, the United States stands as a beacon of liberty and democratic strength before the community of nations. We are resolved to stand firm against those who would destroy the freedoms we cherish. We are determined to achieve an enduring peace -- a peace with liberty and with honor. This determination, this resolve, is the highest tribute we can pay to the many who have fallen in the service of our Nation.” President Ronald Reagan Memorial Day May 25, 1981.
Memorial Day to most is a three-day release from the trials of life. A time to feel the warm sand between your toes, to venture into the mountains and find serenity, to just relax and forget about the real world.
But we must always remember that this day is for all those who put honor above home, freedom above family, and sacrifice above sanctuary. They chose to defend our Constitution, our freedoms, and our liberties. They chose the Warrior's Way and paid the ultimate price in the name of God, country, family, and freedom. Let's remember and honor them with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Lt. Col. Allen West has been a staunch defender of freedom his entire life. Whether serving in the U.S. Army, in the U.S. Congress, or as an endorser of Convention of States, he never lost sight of what makes our country great. In 2020, he took some time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day - Remember and Honor.
For Freedom,
Brett Kulbis
Hawai`i Grassroot Coordinator
Senior Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Retired
COS Hawai`i webpage - E Komo Mai!
About "Ask The Chief" - Ever since the U.S. Navy established the enlisted rank of Chief Petty Officer (April 1, 1893), “Ask the Chief" has resounded throughout the ranks by both enlisted and officers. For over 125 years the Chief has been the expert leaders & trainers, fountain of wisdom, ambassadors of good will, authority in personnel relations as well as in technical applications. They are the backbone of the Navy just like the grassroots volunteers of COS.
