Memorial Day: Honoring the legacy of our Fallen Heroes
Dear Governors State Community,
I write this to you as a fellow Governors State University employee and retired member of the Air Force who served for just over 20 years. This time of year brings a sense of joy as we prepare to start summer, a time when many of us take the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities this great nation affords us. As we unofficially start summer this year, please pause a moment to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation. Their courage and dedication have safeguarded the freedoms we cherish and celebrate this Memorial Day and all year. Their sacrifice either laid the foundation for this great nation – or built upon it.
Memorial Day is a reminder of the profound impact that selfless service and a sense of duty can have on a society. As Governors State students, faculty, and staff, let us draw inspiration from the example set by the individuals who served our nation and the duty they performed. May we strive to embody the values of integrity, commitment, and service in our own lives, personally and professionally.
On this day of remembrance, let us also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of those who have lost loved ones in service. Their strength and resilience are a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation.
Many have attempted to capture the essence of Memorial Day, but in my opinion, Howard William OsterKamp, spoke the simple and powerful truth, “All gave some, some gave all.”
OsterKamp, a Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, reflects the totality of serving in the Armed Forces, addressing the unfortunate truth that many have perished, and all who serve have sacrificed a piece of themselves through selfless service, the loss of their comrades, and the weight of surviving when others have not.
We have a responsibility to honor the legacy of our fallen heroes by fostering a community of respect, unity, and support. Whether through acts of kindness, community service, or simply taking a moment to reflect, we can each contribute to the higher calling of creating a better nation and world.
This Memorial Day, remember the poppy flower, a symbol of remembrance for those who have laid down their lives for our nation. The poppy became synonymous with Memorial Day during World War I, when the flower was a common sight on what is known as the Western Front of the battle fields in Europe. The flower could be seen for miles growing from the soil that had been churned up by battle. The poppy remains a symbol of those lost and the unimaginable environments our service members have —and continue to —endure across the globe.
Wishing you all a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.
Sincerely,
Peter B. Rockey, Director of Employee and Labor Relations
USAF, CMSgt (Ret)