Today we remember those who have fallen fighting for our country. We are living our dreams because others gave their lives for us to be able to do so.

For some being in the military might have been part of their own American Dream. An American Dream rooted in defending American values, the American way of life, and just the idea of America itself. That idea of America is certainly the American Dream of pursuing a better, richer, and fuller life. And those who have fallen for us to be able to pursue that life is certainly at the pinnacle of what we should appreciate this day.

I was not born in this country, I moved only when I was 24, 18 years ago, and became a citizen just five years ago. But ever since I’ve lived here, I appreciated this day where we can pay tribute and be grateful for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, as freedom is certainly not free. Luckily, the few friends I have or people I know that are in the military are still alive and didn’t need to pay the ultimate sacrifice. But I’m sure that they know many who made that sacrifice and they continue to serve despite that risk.

The American Dream is the most precious national ethos and asset we have. We owe it to all of those who have served and have paid the ultimate price, to live out the American Dream and keep it’s flame alive and well, so we can make sure that their sacrifice was not in vain. So that we continue to have a nation of dreamers, a nation that continues to strive to improve itself, and help others at home and around the world.

Thank you to everyone in the military for their service, and thank you to those who we remember today and their families whose shoulders we stand on given the sacrifice they have made to help us all live the American Dream.