Every Memorial Day, I find myself making the same journey to Mount Vernon Cemetery in Abington. With a cigar in hand and a heart full of gratitude, I walk among the headstones and flags, reflecting on the men and women who gave everything in service to our nation.
In this special Memorial Day 2026 edition of Oscar Mike Radio, I wanted to share what this day truly means to me.
Memorial Day is more than a three-day weekend, backyard cookouts, or the unofficial start of summer. It is a sacred day of remembrance. It is a time to honor the service members who never came home and to recognize the profound sacrifices made by their families.
As I walk through the cemetery, I think about fellow Marines I served with, friends we’ve lost over the years, and the countless Americans whose names may be unfamiliar to us but whose sacrifices helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.
I also reflect on those who returned home carrying invisible wounds. Some veterans continued fighting battles long after their military service ended. Their stories matter. Their struggles matter. Their lives and sacrifices deserve to be remembered alongside every fallen service member who answered the call to serve.
What gives me hope each year is seeing communities come together in remembrance. Volunteers place flags at gravesites. Families gather for ceremonies. Young people learn the meaning behind Memorial Day traditions. These acts remind us that remembrance endures and that future generations understand that freedom comes at a cost.
This Memorial Day, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Visit a cemetery. Attend a memorial ceremony. Say a prayer. Share the story of a fallen hero. Take time to remember those who gave their lives so that we could live ours.
To all Gold Star families, veterans, volunteers, and communities who work tirelessly to preserve these memories, thank you.
May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis.
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