How We Can Honor Our Fallen Heroes

Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

Please Click Here to Manage Your Preferences or Unsubscribe This Memorial Day weekend, we will pause to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. It's a solemn time for remembering those who gave up everything so that future generations can live in freedom. But remembrance, gratitude, and parades — important as they are — are just the beginning. The life we enjoy today comes at a cost, and with it, a debt we can never fully repay. What we can do is live in a way that reflects the weight of their sacrifice. That means striving to shape a nation that honors their bravery by living out the values they stood for and carrying forward the unfinished work they left behind. Memorial Day should remind us that freedom is not free, and how we live now helps define the legacy of those who came before us. So, we're left with the question: How do we make our lives a reflection of the gift they gave us? Stronger relationships as a civic virtue If we hope to build a more perfect union, a good place to start is in how we treat one another. Showing up in our relationships — with empathy, respect, and care — is one of the most powerful ways to honor those who gave their lives for this country. Our soldiers fought and died to preserve a democracy that depends on honest conversation, informed debate, and a willingness to listen. When we reduce those with different views to enemies, we deepen division and weaken the foundation our servicemen and women defended. We don't have to agree, but we have a responsibility to disagree respectfully. That responsibility for better relationships doesn't stop at politics. It carries into our everyday lives. We can also honor our soldiers' sacrifice by talking with our neighbors, supporting those in need, and investing in the common good. Simple acts like lending a hand, checking in on a friend, or volunteering in the community may seem small, but they add up. They're what holds us together. They're the foundation of a stronger, more compassionate nation. What we teach future generations Another way we can carry forward the legacy of the fallen is by making sure their stories and the values they stood for live on. That starts with educating our children about the sacrifices behind our freedoms and what those sacrifices mean for how we live today. In our family, we've turned Memorial Day into a teaching moment. Each year, we give our children — and now our grandchildren — an assignment: Research a family member who served and has since passed and share what they've learned over the holiday weekend. Sometimes it's a drawing, sometimes a letter. One year, it was even a video tribute. It's become one of my favorite traditions, bringing history into our home in a way that feels personal and lasting. If you're looking for a way to mark the occasion, perhaps your family might try something similar. Whether it's sharing stories around the dinner table or inviting younger generations to learn about a relative who served, these small acts help keep their memory alive. Embracing our freedoms At its core, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. But it also marks the beginning of summer, when families gather, grills are fired up, and communities connect at lively parades and concerts. And that's not a contradiction. It's part of the promise we're meant to keep. Another responsibility we owe the fallen is to live by fully embracing the freedom they secured for us. That means not only remembering them in solemn moments but also honoring them by enjoying the very things they fought to protect: laughter, family, freedom of expression, and the pursuit of happiness. I hope you enjoy the long holiday weekend and get to spend time with the people you love by sharing a meal, telling stories, and soaking in the beauty of a late-spring afternoon. These are the dividends of a great sacrifice. But let's also remember why we have the freedom to celebrate. By living fully and remembering deeply, we not only keep the spirit of those we've lost alive but also build a future that honors everything they gave. All the best, Jim In this powerful episode of Celebrate Your Story, I speak with Senior Master Sgt. Israel "DT" Del Toro, a true American hero. From a childhood marked by hardship and the loss of both parents at a young age to becoming a decorated Air Force special warfare operator, DT's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He shares the harrowing day in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb left him with burns over 80% of his body, a 15% chance of survival, and an uncertain future. But what followed defied all odds. DT not only survived, he also walked out of the hospital, re-enlisted as the first 100% disabled airman in U.S. history, and went on to inspire thousands through public speaking, Paralympic sports, and mentorship. Thank you for an unforgettable day on the green I want to thank everyone who joined us for the 11th Annual Smile Farms Golf Outing. To everyone who played a round, placed a bid, tried their luck in the raffles, or volunteered, you helped make this our most memorable outing yet. Across three beautiful courses, we saw not only great golf, but an even greater sense of community united around Smile Farms' mission of creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities. That purpose was felt throughout the day, especially at our evening reception, where friends, partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate what we've built together. A special congratulations to Kyle Siebert, the outing's 2025 honoree. Kyle's leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusion truly embody the spirit of Smile Farms. We're grateful for his example and for everyone who champions our mission throughout the year. A message to 2025 graduates Last week, I had the honor of receiving an honorary degree and to speak at the St. John's University Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. As someone who grew up near the campus and has long admired this institution's mission, it was a humbling experience. Standing before the graduates who were so full of hope and ambition, I couldn't help but reflect on how far they've come and how much potential they carry into the world. I spoke about the power of connection, of using our talents not just to succeed, but to serve others and build community. "So, what would I'd say to you, the class of 2025, is use your power starting today. Use your power to believe in your own self-fulfilling prophecy. Use your power to focus on positivity. Use your power to build meaningful relationships for today and for your future." To the faculty, staff, and administration: Thank you for the warm welcome and for your commitment to shaping compassionate, driven leaders. To the students and families: Thank you for letting me be a small part of such an important milestone in your lives. And to the Class of 2025: Congratulations! I can't wait to see what you do next. A summer of sharing stories One of my favorite parts of writing this weekly letter is hearing from you — your stories, your reflections, and the small but powerful moments that connect us all. As we head into summer, I'd love your help with upcoming editions of Celebrations Pulse. What are your summer plans? Are you heading off on a big adventure? Planning a quiet staycation? Or maybe something wonderfully unexpected? Whatever your summer looks like, I'd love to hear about it. I'll be selecting a few stories to feature in a letter to celebrate the season. How do you handle difficult birthdays? I'm also working on a piece about "difficult birthdays" — the ones that get overshadowed by other big events like weddings, graduations, Father's Day, or even the Fourth of July. If a loved one's birthday (or your own!) has ever been lost in the shuffle, I'd love to know how you handled it and how you'd encourage others to celebrate when their day doesn't quite go as planned. Let's celebrate Amazing Dads! With Father's Day coming up (June 15), I'm gathering stories about dads who've made a lasting impact. Whether it's your own dad, a father figure, or someone in your community who deserves recognition, I'd love to hear what makes them amazing. Related articles that caught my eye Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life. 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