May 23, 2025
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As the nation approaches Memorial Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is urging all Americans to pause and reflect on the profound significance of this solemn day.
While acknowledging and appreciating the celebrations and gatherings that often accompany the holiday, the VFW emphasizes that Memorial Day is, at its core, a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
"In the midst of barbecues and the start of summer festivities, many lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “This is the time to reflect on the sacrifices of our service members … men like Pvt. Lewis Sloan, Cpl. Kenneth Adams, Cpl. Philip Adams, Robert Waddell and Rodney Loatman … men who served under my command during the Vietnam War where they paid the ultimate price and remain some of the bravest men I have ever known. This day is our time to remember their names, their stories, and the futures they forfeited so that we may freely live out ours.”
The VFW implores every American to take a moment – even a minute – to remember the men and women who laid down their lives in service our. Their sacrifice is the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy, and it is a debt our nation can never repay.
This Memorial Day, the more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary will be participating in ceremonies and events all over the world, ensuring that the memory of our fallen heroes is kept alive. We invite all Americans to join us in these observances, to visit a local cemetery or memorial, to fly the flag at half-staff, and to teach future generations the true meaning of this sacred day.