This issue of our newsletter, written just a day after Memorial Day, fills my heart with deep gratitude, honor, and a touch of sadness. I'm profoundly grateful to those who have sacrificed their lives, securing our future with their ultimate gift. Yet, it saddens me that much work remains to achieve true liberty and justice for all Americans. 

Memorial Day isn't just a long weekend; it's a solemn time to unite and honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We must pay tribute to the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who have given their lives in battles throughout U.S. history. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we cherish today, and they deserve our continuous recognition and remembrance.

I recognize that the path to freedom in our country has not been the same for everyone, and this same weekend sadly commemorated the needless death of Mr. George Floyd. A fatality that has forever marked our history that did not represent the honor, sacrifice, and liberties our service men and women have died for. 

Discrimination, inequities, and poverty are exacerbated by racism, inequality, microaggressions, and marginalization, which continue to mar the hope of defining the noble ideals of our country. These deeply rooted challenges persist in our society but can only be overcome if we are dedicated to being servant leaders with honor in every aspect of our lives daily.

 Despite the ongoing struggles, our armed forces have shown a readiness to fight and sacrifice their lives for the belief in a better future. Our servicemen and women uphold the right to a brighter future for all of us and epitomize true honor.

Honor is a word that is only sometimes heard in today's society. Concepts of personal freedom, choice, and self-focus overshadow words like respect, esteem, and commitment. But those who gave their lives did so with the most incredible honor. They saw a world bigger than themselves and were willing to die to leave a legacy for future generations.

Today, I pose three heartfelt questions: 

 1. What do we honor? 

 2. Do we value our individuality more than our communities—at work, at home, or in society?

3. Do we not believe that we are stronger together than apart?

As leaders, we must take a moment to reflect on our teams, communities, and overall purpose. I encourage everyone to lead with honor, shifting our focus from self-interest to honoring those who came before us and those who will come after us. Our decisions and choices profoundly impact our lives, our communities, and the legacy we leave for future generations. We must honor our capacity to give and our ability to make a difference—not just for ourselves but for the future. Let's celebrate our collective efforts as we strive to build a better world together.

Embrace the spirit of those who have sacrificed for us. Their legacy inspires us to lead with compassion, integrity, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can create a future worthy of their sacrifice.

 Three Ways to Live and Lead with Honor

1. Practice Empathy and Understanding: Take time to listen to the stories and experiences of those around you. Understand their challenges and show compassion. Empathy can bridge divides and foster a more inclusive and respectful community.

2. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously educate yourself about the histories and contributions of various cultural and social groups. This knowledge can help dismantle biases and promote a deeper appreciation for diversity and equality.

3. Lead by Example: Demonstrate honor in your daily actions and decisions. Show respect, integrity, and commitment in your professional and personal life. Your behavior can inspire others to follow suit and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Together, let us strive to live and lead with honor, making a difference for ourselves and future generations.