As we approach the holiday weekend, the employees of Veterans Management Services, Inc. (VMSI) honor those who have served and continue to serve our nation. To truly honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect the “American way of life”, we must all strive to ensure Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Originally established following the Civil War, in 1971 Memorial Day became a Federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. These individuals gave their lives to protect the true promise of America: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

There are many reasons why individuals may enlist in the military; however, a common bond that all share is a dedication to duty and a desire to serve a cause larger than themselves. As a country, we remember those we have lost through ceremonies, parades, awards and monuments. While time may heal the wounds left by someone’s passing, we are never truly the same again. 

No matter your plans for the upcoming weekend, we hope you will take some time to reflect and give thanks to those who gave their life in service to this country. From everyone in the VMSI family, we express our gratitude to the veteran community, families, and friends, who have lost someone in the line of duty.