Speaker Morgan issues Memorial Day message to Navajo Nation

On Memorial Day, American families gather with family and friends for backyard barbeques and get-togethers, but let us not forget the real meaning of this holiday weekend. Let us pause to honor and acknowledge the dedicated service of the thousands of servicemen and women who selflessly gave their lives in battle.

Let us also pause to remember our own Navajo warriors from 1868 and beyond. Our Navajo warriors, many who died protecting Diné Bikéyah, Navajoland, and our past Navajo chiefs, such as Manuelito, Barboncito, Narbona, Ganado Mucho and Mariano helped sustain us as a Navajo people.

Truly, every day should be Memorial Day, we should never forget the dedication of our servicemen and women, our loved ones that have departed from us - our great ancestors, mothers, fathers and family members. Take time to reflect on the costs to our Nation, to families and to love ones, take time to visit a war memorial or raise an American flag.

On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we send a Memorial Day "Thank You" to the men and women in uniform from all corners of the globe who sacrificed their time and many, their lives, in the name of freedom for our great country. I also urge my Navajo people to remember our active servicemen and women in our daily prayers as well, because they continue to provide for our protection and freedom, and may they all return home safely.

(Editor's note: In honor of Memorial Day on Monday, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan urged Navajos to join fellow Americans in reflecting on the sacrifices of our fallen servicemen and women. He also urged Navajos to join fellow Americans across this great country in observing the National Moment of Remembrance sponsored by the White House by simply pausing for a minute at 3 p.m. local time to remember and honor the fallen.)