Happy Memorial Day

Dear Mount Vernon Friends and Family,

Today is a solemn day. We pause to reflect and remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. The men and women who fought for our freedoms and laid down their lives to protect our freedom. These men and women represent our highest values - courage, bravery, honor, and selflessness to name a few. They are what makes Mount Vernon, and our country, so great. The America they left behind is stronger, empowering us to forge ahead in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. We will never be able to fully repay the debt we owe them but we must continue to carry the banner of love of country forward.

This Memorial Day marks a special moment in our Nation's History. Last week, the West Point Military Academy graduated the most diverse class in the history of the Academy and our great Nation. This is a sign of the great strides we are making as a country towards total equality and inclusion. While we are not there yet, this is a sign that we may see absolute race, gender, and religious equality in our lifetime.

Before today's memorial services and parade kicked off, I spent some time in the Memorial Room here at City Hall, looking at Mount Vernon's impact on our Country's history. From the 34 starred 1864 American Flag that hangs atop the conference table to the cannonball lodged in the trunk of a tree, Mount Vernon's rich history has helped shape the landscape of this Nation in so many ways. It's time for Mount Vernon to invest in our history and turn the Memorial Room into the Museum that it really is meant to be. It's time properly tell the great stories of the brave men and women of Mount Vernon who gave their lives in service to these United States of America.

Happy Memorial Day. May God Bless our Men and Women in uniform.

Warmest Regards,

Mayor Richard Thomas