Memorial Day marks the start of summer for many Americans with long sunny days, warm evenings, and picnics. Unfortunately, many fail to pause and reflect on this day's most important meaning. We must never forget the sacrifice of all the men and women who answered our nation's highest call, aware of the risks yet willing to lay down their lives to preserve our freedom. What extraordinary examples of service over self.

Friends, on this solemn day, may we remember with sincere gratitude those who laid down their lives to defend the religious and civil liberties many take for granted. As Christians, let us never forget those brave men and women who fought and died for us.

And let us never forget the greatest sacrifice ever made for all mankind by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who, in unconditional love, laid down his life to provide us freedom from sin and eternal victory in his presence.

THANK YOU!

Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg