Memorial Day and our duty to protect democracy
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. (Photo by Claudia M. Frometa)
Memorial Day is one of the most solemn observances in our nation. While many Americans gather with family and friends over the long weekend, we must never lose sight of the true meaning behind this day: honoring the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and to protect our freedoms.
Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we often take for granted — the freedom to speak openly, to worship freely, to disagree peacefully, and to participate in our democracy without fear.
Memorial Day reminds us that liberty was not freely given; it was defended and preserved by generations of Americans who placed duty, service, and love of country above themselves.
Those who served and sacrificed came from every background, political belief, race, religion, and community imaginable. Yet they were united by a common commitment to protecting the ideals and values of this nation; values we all share deeply. That spirit of unity and shared purpose feels especially important to remember today, as we live in polarizing political times.
Across our country, we are witnessing a troubling decline in civility and respectful public discourse. Political disagreements have increasingly turned into personal hostility, intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, violence and death. While passionate debate is a vital part of our democracy, we must never allow political differences to erode our humanity or our respect for one another.
As elected leaders and community members, we have a responsibility to help restore a culture of respect and civic decency. We can strongly disagree on issues while still treating one another with dignity. We can advocate for our beliefs without demonizing those who think or vote differently than us. We can stand firm in our beliefs without fueling division or contempt. Democracy depends not only on free speech, but also on our willingness to uphold the rights of others to express their views peacefully and safely without harassment or fear of violence.
That is why last week’s killing of 69-year-old Army veteran Kerry Sheron from Escondido has shaken so many people across the country. Reports indicate the veteran was beaten to death following a confrontation connected to his public display of support for the current President outside his home. Regardless of anyone’s political beliefs, this act of violence is horrifying, unacceptable and a call to restoring civil discourse.
No person in America should fear retaliation, intimidation, or violence including through social media because of a political sign, a flag, a campaign hat, their vote or a personal opinion. Political violence and hateful rhetoric undermine the very freedoms generations of service members fought and died to protect.
Memorial Day should serve not only as a time of remembrance, but also as a call to reflection. Memorial Day should remind us that disagreement must never become dehumanization. The freedoms we enjoy, secured through sacrifice, come with a shared responsibility to protect democratic values, reject political violence, and recommit ourselves to respectful dialogue and civic engagement.
The greatest way we can honor those who gave their lives for this country is to ensure that the nation they defended remains one grounded in Freedom, Decency, Respect, and Peaceful Democracy.
May we never forget the fallen, and may we always strive to build a nation more united, respectful and worthy of their sacrifice.
#engagedcommunitiesarestrongcommunities