Memorial Day is a federal holiday, an American observance, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

 Mattress Firm is offering up to $700 off its mattresses and will throw in an adjustable bed frame – a $699 value.  Serta is offering up to $600 off its iComfort mattress sets.  Tempur-Pedic’s Memorial Day savings event includes up to $700 off its mattress sets.  Certainly these sales will help Americans remember Issac Davis, who was shot through the heart on April 19, 1775 at the Battle of Concord during the Revolutionary War.

Author of Love Leaves Nobody Behind, Claudia Pemberton wrote, “America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.”

Chevy is offering a Memorial Day sales event. It’s advertising $1000 Memorial Day Cash on most of its 2019 Colorado, Traverse, and Malibu models.  Palmetto Ford Lincoln in Charleston, South Carolina is offering 0% financing for up to 72 months or $15,000 off MSRP.  *With approved credit.  On select models.  See dealer for details.  Clearly these sales events will help Americans remember Colonel John Allen of the 1st Kentucky Rifle Regiment.  Allen was killed at the Battle of the River Raisin in Michigan during the War of 1812.  No doubt, remembrance of those who gave it all during the Mexican-American War and Civil War will take place during test rides. 

Early American poet Joseph Rodman Drake wrote, “And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.”

Bloomingdale’s is holding its Memorial Day Big Brown Sale.  Save up to 70% when you take an extra 20% off.  You can save 40% on patio furniture, grills, and appliances at Home Depot. Target has a Memorial Day sale on home items and patio furniture.  Save up to 30% at Target.  The sale ends Monday.  Thinking about these sales should bring forward the memory of those brave Americans that died in battle during the Spanish-American War.  116,708 American military personnel died during World War I.  When deciding what color patio umbrella to purchase, remember United States Marine Corps and Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone who was killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

The 26th President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt, said “Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.”

Online furniture retailer Wayfair is offering up to 70% off during its Memorial Day clearance.  Ashley Furniture’s Memorial Day Sale – Up to 30% OFF + an extra 10% with code: 10percent. Rooms To Go has went the route of offering Memorial Day Coupons – 50% off.  Buy one barstool, get the 2nd barstool at 50% off.  And don’t forget Marines PFC Robert Wayne Adams that went missing in action during the Korean War – Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The remains of PFC Adams have not been recovered.  His date of loss: November 28, 1950. 

Born in Charleston, SC, United States Marine Ralph Henry Johnson covered an enemy grenade that was thrown into his fighting hole in March 1968 during the Vietnam War.  Johnson absorbed the full blast with his body.  He sacrificed his life to save a fellow Marine.  PFC Johnson posthumously received the Medal of Honor.

 The 32nd President of the United States of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, said,

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

Dell is offering 50% off laptops and other computers during the Dell Memorial Day sale.  During the HP Memorial Day sale you can get up to 60% off select products, plus free shipping!  Walmart’s Memorial Day Savings Center says to start summer with up to 40% off online.  During the Gulf War, 382 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.  In Afghanistan, approximately 2500 U.S. services members have lost their lives.  During the Iraq War, U.S. Marine Corporal Jason L Dunham gave his life to save Marines. Jason’s Medal of Honor January 11, 2007 citation reads as follows: 

 For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander’s convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Jason Dunham was born on November 10, 1981 in Scio, New York.  Devotion to Corps and Country – how will you remember?

 “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown