To the families of our fallen patriots: we lack the words to describe what you feel on Memorial Day, because try as we may -- as we must -- we can never fully know it. But we do know what your sacrifice means to us, to our country, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security.
As our nation remembers the service and sacrifice of previous generations, we as a people recognize that the men and women serving in uniform today -- active-duty, guard, and reserve -- are as humble, patriotic, and selfless as any generation that has come before. They, alongside their families, continue that tradition of service to country that makes our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known. Nearly 200,000 of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are currently serving beyond our shores, protecting us far from home, and will not be able to spend this holiday with their loved ones. Today, and every day, we honor them and their families with our heartfelt thanks and support.