As we head into what is for many of us is a long weekend and the start of summer, let us remember the men and women who died in service to this country. Let us remember their families. And let us carry that with us this weekend. There are many ways to do that on Memorial Day or throughout the year. If you have a personal connection to Memorial Day, you can share stories of your loved ones who served and remember the kind of person they were—let those stories inspire others. Or, offer support to veterans as well as active duty military members and their families in your community. Or, we can appreciate our friends, families, and lives with a renewed sense of gratitude. We can honor the memory of those who have sacrificed by what we choose to do with the lives we’ve been given. The work of helping kids grow up into healthy, self-sufficient adults isn’t easy, nor is improving the quality of life for kids who have special needs, or the work of building stronger communities. But what an amazing gift that we get to spend our lives on work worth doing.
At the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, we are grateful to those who have served, those who serve today, and to their families. If you would like to share any stories or remembrances in the comment section below, we’d be honored to have you share them with us.