Memorial day message

Blacks United In Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) are honored to share an important message about Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day -- the year’s most solemn and reflective holiday, which traces its roots back to the Civil War (1861 - 1865), and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Observed the last Monday in May, the day allows each one of us to reflect on the courage and ultimate sacrifice of our military personnel and their families in service to the United States of America. BUILD encourages everyone far and near, while pondering the true essence of its intent, to HONOR every hero who has ever worn a uniform (traditional or non), and laid down their lives so that others may enjoy freedom. 

Memorial Day at its core, speaks of self-sacrifice and personal courage, for the greater common good -- community. It resonates in the memories and stories told by others, of extraordinary everyday people, who have served, fought, and died on many fronts, drawing on seemingly supernatural inner strength and determination for the preservation of freedom. 

And so, as we continue to adjust to a ‘new normal’ way of life, be it by modified traditional community or more personal gatherings, let us also not forget to pause to remember and cherish the fallen.