U.S. Marine Maj. Megan McClung, 34, was helping escort a team of journalists through Ramadi, Iraq, when she was killed, along with two U.S. Army soldiers, by an enemy improvised explosive device. Major McClung, who made the ultimate sacrifice on Dec. 6, 2006, was the highest-ranking female Marine officer to be killed during the Iraq war.

I happened to walk by Megan’s place of rest several years ago during my first visit to Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, where many of the Afghanistan and Iraq war’s fallen heroes rest. I was immediately struck by the words on her headstone: “Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone.” As you can read more about by clicking here, Megan didn’t just speak those words. She lived them.

Memorial Day is a solemn time of reflection to honor those who have been lost in service to our country, as well as their families. But as we go back to our daily lives tomorrow, let’s remember that our time on earth is short. Until the Lord calls us home, let’s try to approach each day like Maj. Megan McClung: “Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone.”