This week, we honor all who served in the U.S. military who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Memorial Day is more than a federal holiday. We are inspired by those who embodied honor, loyalty, and sacrifice — those who promised to defend and serve and fulfilled that commitment by laying down the gift of their own lives. With profound thanks, we pause and reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice, who served alongside other heroes that lived to tell their stories. These fallen service men and women are a model of courage and devotion; a model we should emulate and praise. We pray also for their families, that their grief and mourning is entrusted to our loving God, and that they feel the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.