Watching our athletes stand on the Olympic podium, hands over their hearts as our flag rises and the National Anthem plays, is one of them. For a few minutes, differences fade. We celebrate not just the medal, but what it represents: discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and love of country. What truly moves us is the pride of seeing our flag honored before the world.

That pride is real. And it is good.

But it invites an important question: what else brings us together in that same spirit?

Every day, men and women wear a different uniform and serve under that same flag. They train, sacrifice time with family, and commit themselves to something greater than personal recognition. They serve not for applause, but to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

Freedom is not self-sustaining. It is safeguarded by individuals, real people with names, families, and stories. The challenge we face today is not a lack of patriotism, but how we pass it on.

Children learn by watching what we celebrate and what we remember. When they see us cheer for “USA,” they learn pride. When they see us thank a service member, place a wreath on a veteran’s grave, or speak the name of a fallen hero, they learn gratitude and responsibility.

What, and who, we choose to honor teaches our children who we are. And it helps shape who they will become.

That is why our mission to remember, honor and teach, matters now more than ever.

“Teach the children so it will not be necessary to teach the adults.” - Abraham Lincoln

Remember. Honor. Teach.

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester