Memorial Day is a day to join with millions of our countrymen and women to pause and remember the American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast Guardsmen and women who have throughout our history made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf this great nation of ours.

It’s become somewhat of a tradition for me to also to take a moment to remember in particular those who gave their lives while serving in the 1914-1918 ‘Great War’, the ‘War to End all Wars”, and only later, the First World War or World War I. As we remember the 100th anniversary of America’s official entry into that conflict, let us also pause to recall all those who served in Europe under General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing from 1917-18, and particularly those soldiers, airmen, and marines who served in the major engagements on French soil a century ago: Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Saint-Mihel, Meuse-Argonne, Montfacucon, Oise-Aisne, Cantigny, Sommepy.

The bravery of the Marines at Belleau Wood. The steadfast soldiers of the Third Infantry Division at Château-Thierry, forever remembered as the “Rock of the Marne”. The men of the “Lost Battalion” of the 77th "Liberty Division" in the Foret d'Argonne. And many others. So many others.

If you have a moment, please take a moment to not only remember the service and sacrifice of the millions who served and the tens of thousands who did not return home, but also share with me a few personal perspectives I wrote a few years back in a blog post entitled simply “Memorial Day 2011.”