Memorial Day: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Honor

Every year on the last Monday of May, Americans pause to observe Memorial Day—a solemn tradition, not just of remembrance, but of deep gratitude. For many, it means a day off or time with family. But for those of us with loved ones who have worn the uniform, Memorial Day means far more.

In my own family, service runs deep. My father served in the United States Marine Corps, carrying with him the quiet strength and discipline that defined his generation. My brother served in the Army, with courage and commitment that taught me the true meaning of sacrifice. I have uncles who served in both the Army and the Air Force, representing a proud lineage of men who answered the call without hesitation. For us—and for our company—Memorial Day isn’t just a holiday; it’s a deeply personal moment of reflection.

Perseverance in the Face of Fear

The history of our military is a story of unshakable perseverance. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have stood firm where others might falter. Perseverance isn’t just about continuing in the face of difficulty—it’s about finding purpose in hardship. It’s what carries a soldier through sleepless nights in foreign lands. It’s what allows a military spouse to hold down the fort at home while their loved one serves abroad.

As we honor the fallen, we also remember the perseverance of their families—the quiet sacrifices, the long waits, the prayers whispered into the night. Their courage doesn’t make the news, but it deserves every bit of our recognition.

Valor Beyond the Battlefield

Valor isn’t just a battlefield act—it’s the willingness to place others above self, to face danger head-on so others may live. On Memorial Day, we remember the extraordinary acts of those whose courage defies comprehension and whose legacy endures far beyond the moment of sacrifice.

We remember Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, who suffered fatal burns after rescuing six fellow soldiers from a burning vehicle in Iraq—going back into the flames multiple times, despite being on fire himself. He refused medical treatment until every one of his men had been evacuated. His selflessness cost him his life but saved others. It took years for his heroism to be officially recognized, but in 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor—a symbol of the deepest kind of valor.

We remember Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis, just 19 years old, who was riding in a Humvee in Iraq when an enemy grenade landed inside. Without hesitation, Ross threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full impact to protect his fellow soldiers. Four men survived that day because of his decision—a split-second act of courage that cost him his life but saved theirs.

We remember Captain Jennifer Moreno, an Army nurse and former track athlete from California, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013. She died rushing to the aid of wounded comrades after a series of explosive traps had been triggered. In a war zone, her instinct was not to retreat—but to run toward those who needed help, even at the cost of her own life.

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.”— G.K. Chesterton

These are the kinds of people Memorial Day was created to honor—not just names on plaques, but real sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, who made choices in the worst of circumstances that most of us can only try to understand. Their actions reflect a level of valor that transcends time, politics, or war zones. These are the people who gave us the country we live in today.

Courage, Carried Forward

Courage isn’t always loud. Often, it’s the quiet resolve to show up, day after day, in service of something bigger than oneself. Our military personnel show us what true courage looks like—not only in combat but in the transition back to civilian life, in overcoming trauma, and in continuing to lead with integrity and strength.

At our company, we carry these values with us every day. We strive to lead with discipline, serve with integrity, and never forget where we come from. Our commitment to service didn’t end with our family’s enlistments—it lives on in how we do business, how we treat our clients, and how we honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.

A Family and a Nation That Remembers

For our family, Memorial Day brings with it a moment of shared reverence. We think of my father’s stories of brotherhood in the Marines, my brother’s strength during deployments, and the proud service of uncles and cousins who shaped our understanding of what it means to serve. Their courage helped shape not only our family but our nation.

This day, and the values it represents, live at the heart of our company.

Honoring All Who Serve

While Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives, it’s also part of a greater tapestry of remembrance and respect:

• Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May): Honors those currently serving.

• Veterans Day (November 11): Honors all who have served.

• Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day (last Sunday in September): Honors the families of those who died in military service.

• POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September): Remembers prisoners of war and those still missing in action.

Each of these days reminds us that freedom is never free—and that every name etched into stone was a person with dreams, a family, and a future given for ours.

On this Memorial Day, we invite you to pause not only in remembrance but in active gratitude. Visit a memorial, attend a ceremony, or simply share a story. Keep the memories alive, because every fallen soldier deserves to be remembered not just for how they died, but for how they lived—with perseverance, valor, and courage.

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it…It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”

From all of us at J. Randal Insurance, we honor the fallen, support the living, and carry forward the legacy of those who served. This day means everything to us.