Their sacrifice stands in stark contrast to the apathy that has crept into our society. The liberties they died for have, in some ways, bred complacency. We see the consequences all around us: corruption festering in our government, radical ideologies taking root on college campuses, foreigners who don't hold our values demanding to be financed to be here, and the bizarre push to normalize gender dysphoria as a basis for rights. These are not mere political issues—they are symptoms of a deeper moral and cultural decay. And we, as a nation, are complicit. Voter turnout is abysmal, and for too long, many of us, especially the “old guard” Republicans, have taken the high road, avoiding confrontation in the name of civility, and simply capitulated. But that restraint has contributed to the catastrophe we now face.

The Grassroots movement within our party recognizes this truth: sitting back and letting others “do” has been the problem for decades. And while I completely understand the desire to just live our lives and be "left alone", our fallen heroes didn’t have the luxury of disengagement. They didn’t pass the buck or focus solely on their own lives. They answered the call, often at the ultimate cost. If we are to honor them, we must do more than lay wreaths or raise flags. "We the People" must engage—fiercely, consistently, and unapologetically—in the fight for our nation’s soul.

We are at war, not with bullets or bombs (yet), but in a battle of good versus evil. The stakes are no less real. John F. Kennedy once asked, “What can you do for your country?” But this Memorial Day, I propose a different question: What have I sacrificed for my country? The answer for too many of us is “not enough.” Our heroes gave everything. And while time is a precious commodity, is our time more valuable than the blood of those heroes? They didn’t grill burgers or scroll through their phones while the world burned—they stood in the breach.

So, as we gather with family and friends this weekend, let’s do more than fire up the grill. Let’s ask ourselves what we’re willing to sacrifice to save our country now. Will we speak out against corruption? Will we challenge the ideologies poisoning our institutions? Will we run for office, volunteer, or simply show up to a school board meeting?  Engagement is not optional—it’s our duty. It’s how we honor those who gave all.

Let’s commit to being the change our nation desperately needs. For the sake of those who rest in peace, let’s fight for a future worthy of their sacrifice. God bless them all.