STATE COMMANDER’S MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

For 120 years the VFW has honored the legacy of the men and women who served in our nation’s military and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Our annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies have ensured the sacrifices of our fallen – and the Gold Star families of these heroes – are never forgotten. Their sacrifices remind us that our freedom did not come cheaply, it was earned with precious

American blood.

This Memorial Day will be different considering the physical distancing and stay-at-home orders issued across the nation because of the unprecedented coronavirus. While many Americans will be unable to physically visit loved ones or traditionally gather to memorialize their sacrifice and commitment this year, the VFW encourages the nation to make this Memorial Day as significant as any other in our nation’s history.

This year I ask that you honor their sacrifice by living the America they died for, a country of freedom, equality, opportunity and unlimited promise.

Live filled with hope that what they gave us will last forever, and that freedom and opportunity will find all who seek it.

Live a life of service to others, honoring our fallen by helping the living.

Live to preserve their legacy by

educating all who believe Memorial Day is just another holiday, and passing along our knowledge to the next generation so they may do the same.

Please keep our fallen warriors and their families in your prayers this weekend.

Barbara Kim-Hagemann

State Commander, Department of New Jersey

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States