Memorial Day 2025: Thank you, today and always
More than 500 recruits raised their right hands and were sworn into the military during a “Our Community Salutes” event at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall on May 3, 2025.
Memorial Day is a day of national recognition to honor the military men and women who died in service to the United States during peacetime and war.
This year we also celebrate the two-hundred-and-fiftieth (250) anniversary of our Army on June 14th (Navy and Marine will have birthdays later this year also).
During that time, millions of people have raised their right hand and taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. As we think about those who fought and died for our country, we remember the Continental Army’s battle cry, which is also our theme for the anniversary of our Army’s founding. “This we’ll defend,” reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: To fight and win the nation’s wars.
We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.
On Memorial Day, we reflect on our rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication. From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, our Soldiers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad.
Observance History
First observed after the Civil War, Memorial Day was initially called “Decoration Day” because families gathered to remember their loved ones by decorating gravesites with flowers or flags.
This tradition continues across America today. Every Memorial Day, the Soldiers from the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment - the Old Guard - place small American flags at every grave marker in Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. In proclaiming that first Decoration Day in eighteen sixty-eight (1868), General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, wrote that we should not only remember those “who died in defense of their country,” but also, “renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us...the widows and orphans.”
Gold Star Families
We continue to honor those left behind who paid a personal price for us and our nation. I’m speaking about our Gold Star families.
Allow me to express my appreciation to you on behalf of all those present today and on behalf of our country. We are humbled by your sacrifice, inspired by your resilience and grateful for your continued service to your communities.
Our Country’s First Patriots
Of course, the first people to die in the service of their country were fighting for what would become the United States of America. They were not the disciplined, professional Army you know today. They were farmers, shopkeepers, teachers and blacksmiths. They all came together to fight for the right to govern themselves and have more control over their financial and social well-being.
By 1775, the Revolution had been brewing for years. The first shot was fired in Massachusetts in July, and a month later, General George Washington was commissioned as Commander in Chief of the Army. The month after he received his commission, Washington expressed his concerns and frustrations to a long-time friend and neighbor, Richard Henry Lee.
He’d been at the Army camp in Cambridge for a week. He wrote: “... we have but about sixteen thousand (16,000) effective men in all this department, whereas, by the accounts which I received from even the first officers in command, I had no doubt of finding between eighteen thousand (18,000) and twenty thousand (20,000); out of these, there are only fourteen thousand (14,000) fit for duty,” he explained.
And getting an accurate count of soldiers wasn’t his only problem.
He didn’t have the firepower…He didn’t have the provisions…He didn’t have a command structure.
Yet, with his leadership and determination, he crafted an Army out of disparate militias, haphazard supplies and undisciplined fighters. And with that Army, General Washington won the war for independence, ensuring that citizens today enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear.
By the end of the Revolution, at least six thousand eight hundred (6,800) American soldiers had given their lives in battle to ensure those freedoms. Seventeen thousand (17,000) died of disease and between eight thousand (8,000) and twelve thousand (12,000) died while prisoners of war. Over the next few years, more died from wounds sustained during the war. Many lived long lives with devastating wounds received in battle.
On Memorial Day, as we think about those who first served our country, we remember that, as the American’s Creed states, they gave their lives and their fortunes for the freedoms we enjoy today. We remember the service of all veterans throughout the history of our great nation, who have defended our Constitution and our country from foreign and domestic enemies.
Today’s Army
From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, our Soldiers have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad.
Since its establishment in seventeen seventy-five (1775), U.S. Army Soldiers, Civilians and their families have supported our nation, bearing true faith and allegiance to our country, the U.S. Constitution, and the Army.
The Army is the largest of the armed services. America’s Army consists of more than one-point-two (1.2) million people across the globe who defend our country.
Army careers span the spectrum: attorneys, astronauts, mechanics, doctors, engineers, chefs, drivers and musicians all serve in the armed forces. As our operational environment has changed over the years, we continue to innovate, experiment and invest in emerging technologies to stay ahead of our adversaries. We are always prepared to fight and win our nation’s wars.
The Army also stands ready to assist in times of need, such as disaster relief and recovery. We are focused on ensuring that the U.S. military remains the world’s most combat-credible fighting force capable of maintaining peace through strength. We saw this recently in the fires here in California. From Palisades to Altadena, not only did we help defend our communities but also help clean it up with our Army Corp of Engineers.
Last week I had the honor of recognizing 500 young men and women joining our forces in Southern California. They took an Oath that is special. Our Community Salutes is a program to be able to say thank you for enlisting in our military. It was a proud day for many. Thank you for volunteering to serve. It’s been said many times; nothing beats stronger than that of a volunteer.
This Memorial Day, I hope that we can remember the common bond we have with the Soldiers who have gone before us, who selflessly served our country and paid the ultimate price.
Locally we will be having a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery at 93:30 AM. This event is open to all our entire community to be able to pay tribute to those who have given their all. Our military guest speakers will also touch upon their bravery, and we will commence with a wreath laying, taps and bagpipes in their honor. We hope you will join us.
We also honor our fallen by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance, a call to pause at three (3:00) p.m. local time on Monday, Memorial Day, to reflect on and remember those Americans who died in service to our nation. We can fly our flags at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raise them briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. Nationally I will also be participating in Taps Across America at that same time.
We remember what they gave for us and honor them not only this Memorial Day but honor them every day. I know our country comes together to say, thank you.
Mario A. Guerra is the two-time former Mayor of the City of Downey and currently serves as the Civilian Aide To The Secretary of the Army. He is also the host of Talking Downey and can be reached at www.marioaguerra.com