An Open Letter from a Military Kid: A Memorial Day Reminder for Montana

Growing up with a dad in the Army, a grandpa and uncle in the Navy, and another uncle in the Air Force, Memorial Day has always been more than just a long weekend because I was taught from a young age the sanctity of the day.

For those of us here in Montana, where pride in our country and respect for our military are a big part of who we are, Memorial Day really hits home.

I grew up surrounded by the stories of my family’s service, and even though we don't always talk about it, Memorial Day is a day to honor those who didn’t come back. It's a day to remember the men and women who gave their lives to ensure that we get to enjoy the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

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This weekend, many of us will take a break, spending time with family, getting outside to enjoy the beauty of our great state, or just soaking up the sunshine. But while we're enjoying that freedom, it’s important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. The reason we get a long weekend to relax and celebrate is because of the brave souls who stepped up to serve our country and, in doing so, paid the ultimate price.

I know our country is facing some challenges. There’s political unrest, differing opinions, and a lot of uncertainty. But that’s exactly why we have the right to voice our opinions, to gather, to disagree, and to come together to work through it. We can do all of those things because of the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for us. And we should never, ever take that for granted.

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So, as you enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Pause and think about those who fought for the freedom we enjoy every day.

Montana has always been a place of strong values and deep respect for our military heroes. Let’s continue to honor that tradition this Memorial Day. We may be taking some time to relax, but we should do so with gratitude and respect for those who gave everything for us to be able to live our lives the way we do.

To all who have served, to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to the families who carry their memories, thank you. We remember you. We honor you. And, we’ll never take for granted the freedoms you fought for.

With my deepest appreciation,
Traci Taylor