For many families, this Memorial Day will take on a more profound and personal significance as they gather for the first time on this hallowed day to mourn and contemplate the loss of one of their own. Many who once comforted families of our fallen will find themselves in need of comfort. They will hear "Taps" differently; they will see Old Glory anew; their sorrow, hopefully, will be assuaged by memories of the indomitable spirit and now enduring legacies of their loved ones. That Memorial Day falls between Mother's Day and Father's Day serves to remind us that this too is an occasion for family, the American family, to honor the memories and deeds of our mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who have courageously served and died in uniform.

As we look back from the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan to the battles and wars of history, what will we see as the legacy of our great nation on the important task of caring for our citizen soldiers upon their return home and in their time of need? For a grateful nation to be truly great, this legacy must be one of compassion, responsiveness, solutions and even sacrifice for its protectors. I believe we have made progress in our efforts to fulfill this legacy, but I also know we can do better.

World War II veterans waited 60 years for their memorial on the National Mall so that America's "Greatest Generation" will not be forgotten. Still other generations of veterans continue to search, not necessarily for memorials but for peace, health and security for themselves and their families. Let us be mindful that, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan continue and are developing a new "great generation" of veterans. Accordingly, as President Abraham Lincoln issued the nation a mandate so many years ago, we are, "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan." This obligation is not lost on us today, and we must rise to meet it, now and forever.

Friends, let this Memorial Day be a day of renewal -- a bold step forward to fulfill our nation's legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country, those living and those whose memories are etched into every liberty we enjoy. Let us honor them with dignity and respect, not just in death, but in life, as we not only look back, but also look forward. Come future Memorial Days, let us be able to point to greater strides in fulfilling our legacy of care, for if we fail to do so, we will not have lived up to our potential as a great nation. On this day of remembrance, let us salute the fallen and comfort their families, and let us thank the millions of veterans among us for their sacrifices by giving them our care. Let us respond with vigor to their needs, assist them with all the strength we can summon. For those who have gone on before, there can be no greater memorial.