Today I live in freedom, and I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who died in service to the United States of America, its citizens, and all future generations. Like each person who raised his or her hand and committed to wearing the uniform of our country, they took their oaths with the knowledge that they were offering everything, up to and including their lives, in service to a greater good. Today I remember those who were called upon to make that sacrifice. I dare not forget the men and women — human beings once vibrantly full of jokes and complaints and love and foibles and quirks known only to their best friends — who no longer share in a long weekend on the brink of summer except in our memories.

Today we remember. May we remember tomorrow, next week, in the middle of August, and always.