Memorial Day – A Day To Honor Our Fallen Heroes.
By: José “Pepe” Díaz
Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 12, Miami-Dade County Military Liaison and Chairman of the Military Affairs Board
DORAL, FL – The end of May is traditionally the start of the summer season – a time of backyard cookouts, family vacations, and beach outings. But for many of us, the last weekend in May is a very special time – a time of remembrance and reflection as we honor all those who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s liberties.
I am of course referring to Memorial Day, the national holiday dedicated to America’s war dead. Observed every year on the last Monday in May, this annual tribute to our fallen heroes began after the Civil War, when it was known as Decoration Day, for the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers.
Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder that freedom is not free; it is paid for by the sacrifices of the brave service members who have fought to protect and defend this country – to the point of laying down their lives for our democracy. On Memorial Day, we honor their memories with heavy but grateful hearts, in the knowledge that they died so we might continue to enjoy our precious freedoms.
Miami-Dade County residents will get a chance to show their gratitude to our fallen heroes in memorials and events being held around the county, including at the annual National Salute to America’s Heroes. For the third consecutive year, this Memorial Day weekend celebration is coming to Miami Beach’s Lummus Park on May 25 and 26. The two-day extravaganza will feature a patriotic concert, fireworks, and a spectacular air and sea show headlined by the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron.
As a proud U.S. Marine and Chairman of the Military Affairs Board, I encourage you to join me in attending and being part of this patriotic celebration. Let’s show the world Miami-Dade County honors its war dead, and that we will never forget their sacrifice.
For more information about the National Salute to America’s Heroes, visit https://usasalute.com/.
If you have any issues or concerns regarding military or veteran affairs, please contact Military Affairs Board Executive Director Gustavo Cruz at (305)375-4493 or guscruz@miamidade.gov.
The Miami-Dade Military Affairs Board’s mission is to promote, attract and solicit military-related events in Miami-Dade County and advocate on behalf of military personnel on issues like health care, housing loans, pension benefits, education, employment, unemployment benefits, disability claims, vocational training and insurance, and to refer them to the appropriate agencies. For more information about the Military Affairs Board, or if you know someone who needs assistance with military or veteran issues, please visit www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/military_home.asp.