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Remembering Those Who Made Our Nation a Sweet Land of Liberty

While life at UCLA and in the athletic world continues on, we take a moment to honor and remember those who fought and died for our right to enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Americans.

Arlington National Cemetery Holds 'Flags In' Ceremony Ahead Of Memorial Day Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Throughout the history of the United States, the armed forces have played a pivotal role in the preservation of freedom both in the United States and abroad. There have been times when our men and women in uniform have not been appreciated as preservers of freedom, but rather perpetrators of war. At other times, we have been encouraged to “tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree” in hopes of bringing our troops home safely. No matter how you look at it, no matter your political affiliation, the individuals who choose to put their lives on the line do so without thinking of the cost to themselves or their families, but, instead, consider what might happen if they don’t.

Today, as you spend time with your friends and family, relax, and take in the smells and tastes of Memorial Day gatherings, remember why you get to do so. From the American Revolution to modern day conflicts, lives have been changed forever because someone didn’t make it home. It is today that we take time to honor those individuals and pause to reflect on the price someone else had to pay to protect our freedoms.

Every year at 3:00 pm local time, it is asked that people stop to honor the National Moment of Remembrance. The purpose of this act is to honor “those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values.” Those who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve our respect on this day.

Enjoy today, relax, reflect, and remember.

Go Bruins!