Hon. Speer at ANC
Acting Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer and his wife Mrs. Speer place American flags at headstones in Arlington National Cemetery during Flags In, in Arlington, Va., May 25, 2017. The Old Guard has held this honor and privilege of conducting Fla... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our nation. For the past 149 years, Memorial Day has been set aside to decorate the gravesites of our fallen Service Members as a way of paying homage.

I accompanied the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) on May 25th in placing American flags on the graves and memorials of over 230,000 service members interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

The mix of emotions one feels when surrounded by so many whose valiant service has ensured our liberty at the cost of theirs is impossible to describe.

It is something I encourage all Americans to experience at any of the 135 national cemeteries, 26 overseas American military cemeteries, or the many state veteran's cemeteries.

As you enjoy this long holiday weekend with family and friends, please take a moment to reflect in the memories of those who forever hold the burden of guaranteeing our freedoms.