An aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery taken in advance of Memorial Day on April 20, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia.

As our nation observes Memorial Day, we honor and salute all of America’s fallen heroes and Gold Star families. Each Memorial Day reminds us that these remarkable human beings are indeed our country’s national treasures.

As President Ronald Reagan said on Memorial Day in 1984 while eulogizing an unknown service member who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam:

“A grateful nation opens her heart today in gratitude for their sacrifice, for their courage and for their noble service. Let us if we must, debate the lessons learned at some other time. Today, we simply say with pride, thank you, dear son, may God cradle you in his loving arms.”