Around every Memorial Day, I make my way to Mount VernonCemetery in Abington with a cigar in hand and a heavy sense of gratitude. It’sbecome a personal ritual for me. One rooted in remembrance, reflection, andrespect for the Marines and service members who never made it home or whocarried burdens after service that eventually claimed them.
In this special 2026 Memorial Day edition of Oscar MikeRadio, I wanted to share what this day truly means to me. Memorial Day is morethan a long weekend, cookouts, or the unofficial start of summer. It is a dayto pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to thiscountry. As I walk through the cemetery and see the flags placed besideheadstones, I think about fellow Marines from my time in the Corps, brothersand sisters we’ve lost over the years, and the families forever changed bytheir sacrifice.
I also reflect on those we lost after they came home, veteranswho fought battles long after taking off the uniform. Their stories matter too,and they deserve to be remembered alongside every fallen service member whoanswered the call to serve.
One of the things that gives me hope every year is seeingcommunities come together to honor the fallen. Ceremonies, volunteers placingflags, families attending memorial events, and young people learning why thesetraditions matter remind me that remembrance is still alive. Freedom has acost, and Memorial Day is a reminder that generations of Americans paid thatprice for all of us.
I encourage everyone to take even a few moments thisMemorial Day to stop, reflect, and honor those who gave everything. Visit acemetery, attend a ceremony, say a prayer, or simply take a quiet moment ofgratitude. We owe them that much.
To all the Gold Star families, veterans, volunteers, andcommunities who continue to keep these memories alive, thank you.
