To Our Esteemed Supporters:
It is common for Americans to look at Memorial Day Weekend as the “summer kickoff weekend” filled with family vacations, golf, backyard barbecues, pool parties, and more. But as we approach this much anticipated holiday, I ask that you acknowledge and celebrate Memorial Day for what it was intended to be – a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our great nation.
Since September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 men and women have given their lives for our freedom while serving in the Global War of Terror. Some would say they “sacrificed” themselves for this country, though I use the word “given” after having spoken with a wounded veteran, whom I had thanked for his sacrifice – in this case, his legs.
This warrior was quick to point out that his was not the real sacrifice, nor were the lives of his fallen brothers and sisters the real sacrifice. For they signed up to put themselves in harm’s way for these United States of America. Loss of life or limb was always a possibility … and a risk that members of our all-volunteer military are willing to take every day.
The real sacrifice, he said, is that of the spouse, the child – those thousands of military family members who did not necessarily sign up for service, but who came along for the ride and provided a love and support that was absolutely essential in offsetting the heavy toll of combat and multiple deployments on their service members.
This Memorial Day Weekend, it is critical that we not only honor and remember the service and lives of our fallen heroes, but that we give thanks to their loyal families for their undying commitment to this country, and for their sacrifice.
Folded Flag Foundation is honored to be able to express its thanks to these families through scholarships to surviving spouses and children at all levels of education; and because of our generous underwriting partners, 100% of the money we raise goes directly into these scholarships.
I can think of no better way to thank our nation’s fallen than by helping to secure the future of those they left behind through education.
On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I offer my deepest gratitude to each of you for giving so much to Folded Flag Foundation and the families we serve. Without the generosity of great Americans like you, we would not be able to deliver the impact that these families deserve.
For the fallen and their families,
John Coogan
President
Folded Flag Foundation