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Dear Friends & Neighbors: On Memorial Day, we pause to commend and honor the brave men and women who unselfishly sacrificed their lives to make this country a safer place for all of us. It is because of them that you and I can enjoy the freedoms and independence that many around the world still strive to achieve. For this reason, we must be humbled and honored by their sacrifice. For me, Memorial Day carries a special significance because my life has been historically intertwined with military life. As victims of communism, my family and I understand the value of democracy, personal and religious freedom; as well as to be grateful for soldiers who are willing to fight to protect these basic human rights. My father was a Veteran in the South Vietnamese Army who fought in the jungles of Vietnam alongside American GIs seeking to protect the freedom of the Vietnamese people. Thirty years later, my brother is a proud United States Marine who fought alongside his fellow Americans for the freedom of the Iraqi people; in the same manner that my husband Tom’s grandfather fought for freedom under the leadership of General Patton during World War II. It is because of this personal experience that I truly comprehend and appreciate the importance of this holiday. Specifically, Memorial Day invites us to pay homage to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. And while the memory of those lost is undeniably painful, I ask that we take this opportunity to honor them, not with sadness and regret but by showing our admiration and appreciation for them and their family. In addition, we should also show our full support for the current brave men and women of all military branches. I invite you to reach out to your friends, neighbors and family members who have heroically defended this great nation of ours. Let them know that you are thankful for their valiant determination to stand for what is right regardless of the perils ahead. Others of you may want to take this opportunity to speak to your children about the heroism of our armed forces or fly your American flag; no task is too small. To our veterans and all brave men and women of Orange County, I want you to know that you have made a difference in the lives of millions of people, like my family. Your selfless devotion is the fabric that holds this great nation together and it is because of you that the American flag can fly high and with dignity. Your bravery is appreciated more than you know and you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. |
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