As we approach Memorial Day, I have thought about the heroic sacrifices made by so many for our great nation. Thousands of men and women have selflessly gone to war, and too many given their lives, to preserve an ideal put to paper nearly 250 years ago in the United States Constitution.  We are grateful for their service and humbled by their sacrifice.

If, for a moment, we allow ourselves any passing self-pity for our current situation, juxtapose that with the bravery of the men during World War II in troop carriers about to take Normandy Beach.  If you need a dose of humility and strength – watch Steven Spielberg’s brilliant, “Saving Private Ryan,” this Memorial Day to get a full dose.  We as a nation and a people have faced much more dire situations and ultimately we won and flourished.  We shall again. 

I am reminded of President Ronald Reagan’s speech first given at the Republican National Convention on October 27, 1964 when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

This Memorial Day will be markedly different than all that came before.  Backyards and barbeques may be silent, main streets empty of parades.  There will be no banners, or marching band fanfare, no great gatherings or celebrations.  But we can still honor our fallen heroes by lowering our flags, donating to veteran charities or by simply saying ‘thank you for your service’ to veterans you know.  No matter how you choose to celebrate Memorial Day we at Dove Investment Research & Management wish you a healthy and happy holiday.

Blessings this Memorial Day!