05/25/2026
Every Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to remember and honor the extraordinary men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our freedom.
From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the mountains of Afghanistan and the streets of Iraq, from the beaches of Normandy to the skies over the Pacific, generations of brave Americans have paid the ultimate price so that our Nation might endure. We honor those who died in combat, those who succumbed to wounds long after the guns fell silent, and those who carried the invisible scars of service until their final breath.
We also lift up the Gold Star families. They are the mothers, fathers, spouses, children, and siblings who bear the heaviest burden of all. Their loved ones’ names are etched into our national memory, but their absence is felt every single day. Today, and every day, we stand with these families, grateful beyond words for the sacrifice they too have made.
During my service in the United States Navy, I had the honor to serve alongside remarkable men and women who embodied duty, courage, and selfless commitment. Some of those incredible men and women are no longer with us today. I honor their memory with deep gratitude and humility.
My wife and I were honored to participate in this year’s Memorial Day Event hosted by the Shawnee VFW at Veterans Park, as well as the 1st Annual Gold Star Family Event at The Pottawatomie County Veterans Educational Museum. What an incredible turnout! None of this would be possible without the dedication of so many outstanding individuals, especially Jessie Newell and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to make both events a success.
We enjoyed attending the 1st Annual Gold Star Family Event. A project envisioned by Mr. Bill Ford in honor of his wife, Nancy Ford, whose father was killed during World War II. We were honored to present them a commemorative citation. The Ford Family played a major role in creating the Pottawatomie County Veterans Educational Museum, including 18 years of dedicated work to bring it to fruition.
May God bless our fallen heroes, their Gold Star families, all who serve today, and the United States of America. 🇺🇸