Memorial Day is our annual holiday to pause and honor the brave individuals who serve and sacrifice their lives for our country. There is always a somber, sobering sense about the day. As we reflect on its significance, it is important to recognize that many of the conflicts in our history were not solely about territorial or resource disputes. They were fundamentally waged to preserve the freedoms that underpin our democratic system and to uphold the rule of law as enshrined in our Constitution.

From the Revolutionary War, which established our independence and the foundational legal principles of self-governance, to the World Wars, which defended democratic ideals against totalitarian regimes, American service members have fought to protect the core values that define our nation. These conflicts extended beyond military objectives; they were about ensuring the endurance of liberty, the consistent application of justice, and the protection of fundamental human rights under the law.

Lawyers have always played a critical role in this ongoing endeavor to safeguard our freedoms. Whether serving as Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers within the military structure or advocating for civil rights within our domestic legal frameworks, legal professionals have been instrumental in defending the very foundations of our democracy. They uphold the rule of law during both periods of peace and times of conflict, ensuring that even in the context of war, legal principles remain a guiding force.

Attorneys serving in the armed forces, particularly as JAG officers, are essential in maintaining operational order and ensuring that military actions adhere to constitutional and international law. They provide critical legal analysis during military operations, contribute to the drafting of rules of engagement, and work diligently to ensure that the principles embedded in the Constitution are upheld, even in the most challenging environments.

Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth President and a member of the legal profession, lead during the Civil War, and laid the groundwork for Memorial Day itself. His unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery underscores the fact that the pursuit of democracy and human rights often necessitates both moral and legal fortitude.

Beyond the immediate context of armed conflict, lawyers continue to contribute significantly by advocating for veterans’ rights. Many legal professionals dedicate their expertise to assisting veterans with claims for benefits, disability compensation, and navigating the complexities of military law and pensions. Organizations such as the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, alongside local bar associations, provide essential pro bono legal services, recognizing that access to justice remains paramount for those who have served.

On Memorial Day, as we solemnly honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we must also acknowledge the ongoing commitment of lawyers and legal organizations that help preserve the freedoms for which so many fought and died. Lawyers are essential actors as well in protecting the rights of those who have served our country.

As we pause to remember the fallen, let us also reflect on the enduring professional responsibility to defend democracy and the rule of law. This Memorial Day, we honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and the legal professionals who continue to work to uphold the freedoms they died to protect.