Memorial Day 2025: What It Means To Me

Memorial Day began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” a time when Americans would honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. Over the years, it has grown into a national day of remembrance—a time to reflect on the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Patriotism shows up in different ways. For some, it’s fireworks, parades, and bold displays of national pride. For others, it’s quieter—carried not on our sleeves, but in our hearts.

For me, Memorial Day doesn’t come just once a year. It comes and goes unexpectedly. Some days, I spend hours remembering those who are no longer with us—brothers and sisters I served alongside. Other days, life gets busy. The everyday noise of work, family, and responsibilities pushes those memories to the background.

And that’s okay.

When the memories do show up, they come with a mix of feelings. Sometimes sadness. Sometimes nostalgia. Sometimes even laughter as I think back on the good times we shared. I welcome all of it. I think it’s important to honor both the pain of loss and the joy of having known them.

Memorial Day weekend itself isn’t much different for me—except for one thing: I make sure to do Murph. No matter where I am in the world, I find a way to do that workout. Those 40-something minutes of suffering are my personal tribute—a small token compared to what they gave.

But beyond that workout, I believe the greatest way I can honor their memory is to live.

To wake up every day and not quit.
To push forward when things are hard.
To build a life they would be proud of.

Because I know without a doubt—if they were still here—they’d be doing the same.

And on the hardest days, when motivation feels far away, I like to think they’re still with me. Cheering me on from above. That thought alone keeps me going.

Happy Memorial Day and as always

- Stay Humble