From the Desk of the President: Honoring America's Fallen Heroes

(National Federation of Federal Employees)

Brothers and Sisters,

Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.  The original day of honoring our fallen men and women in uniform first came about following the Civil War.  Many communities set aside a day to mark the end of the war and to honor those who had died.

From these humble beginnings of Decoration Day which honored the Union dead and the Confederate Memorial Days which honored fallen Confederate soldiers, Memorial Day gradually became the recognized name for the day honoring these fallen heroes.

Our nation was founded in conflict, and throughout our great history when called upon to serve our country, the men and women of our military have not hesitated to answer the call.  And in rushing to protect our country, its citizens, and our way of life, many men and women have paid the ultimate price of defending our country with their lives.

Our union honors the memory of the thousands upon thousands of military men and women who have died in service to our nation.  We honor their selfless dedication, their caring spirit, their devotion to honor, to mission and to country.  Let our continued dedication to keeping our nation strong and citizens free demonstrate to those that have sacrificed their lives for this great nation that they have not done so in vain.

Please take a moment on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, to reflect on our fallen brothers and sisters in uniform, and to pray for the brave men and women in uniform who continue to serve our nation proudly.

In Solidarity,