Each Memorial Day, we pause to honor the sacrifices that make our freedom possible. No words are adequate to console those who have lost a loved one serving our country, but we can pause to consider those who have given their lives in service.

In times such as these, it is important for every American to reflect on what it truly means to live in freedom. We owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made in the defense of liberty. It is our duty to keep their memories alive.

On this Memorial Day, we join together in a national day of remembrance in honor of America’s fallen heroes. Family and friends of veterans interred at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries can leave tributes on the Veterans Legacy Memorial page at www.vlm.cem.va.gov/.

On Monday, at VA national cemeteries across the nation, a moment of silence will be observed at 3 p.m.

We extend our hearts to the loved ones of those who have given everything in service to our nation. We share their sorrow, but we cannot know their grief. What we can do and must do is remember those who have fallen.

Remember what they did, why they did it and appreciate what that sacrifice means. It means duty. It means security. It means strength, and the motivation to stay strong for freedom. Let us pause to honor them.