John Rendon

Proud of my friend and former colleague Jake Braun whose new book is just out Fentanyl: Fighting the Mass Poisoning of America and the Cartel Behind It which pulls back the curtain on how the fight was taken to the cartels — and how politics could blow it up.

Because remembering is not enough. We must livein a way that honors their sacrifice. May God bless those who serve, those who have served, and those who stand ready—and may God bless the United States of America.

So as you gather with family and friends today, I invite you to pause. Reflect. Ask your guests to do the same. And beyond the moment—act. Reach across a divide. Mend a rift. Move one inch closer to unity.

President Bush reminded us these heroes were not just soldiers—but fathers, daughters, friends. President Kennedy challenged us to live our gratitude. President Reagan warned us that freedom can vanish in a generation if we’re not vigilant.

President Lincoln called it the “last full measure of devotion.” In his first Memorial Day message, President Carter urged us to build “a stronger Nation and a better world” in their memory.

Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a solemn obligation—to remember, to reflect, and to honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States of America.

Greetings, good morning and Happy Memorial Day from the very, very green and somewhat soggy western mountains of Maine, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Greetings and good morning from the NCR on a morning filled with heartache and prayers for the families, friends and colleagues of the 67 souls lost last night and thanks for the extraordinary heroism, collaboration and courage of the first responders and their families.

/8 Today we reflect, every day we remember.

7/ Thus, we should live our lives with respect and resolve, as we recognize, respect and honor the ultimate sacrifice of our fearless fallen.

6/ We owe these heroes who have fallen, the courage of our convictions, to remain resolute by uniting our nation in these times of great trouble and great challenge.

5/ And at the same time in our great nation, division and discontent are fed and enabled by malevolent forces both foreign and domestic, some of whom view, what President Lincoln characterized as “those that have given their last full measure of devotion”, as losers.

4/ Today on this Memorial Day, as the storm clouds of combat and conquest driven by tyranny and authoritarianism continue to cross the European continent, to paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill’s words: “Russia is a riddle wrapped in mystery shrouded by by an enigma.”

3/ Recalling the more recent reminder from the late Secretary of State Powell, that “the United States has sent many young men and women to fight in foreign lands but have never asked for any more land than is enough in which to bury those who did not return.”

2/ Sixty three years ago, President Kennedy’s Memorial Day Declaration began with these words: “Whereas the high courage and the supreme sacrifice of Americans who gave their lives in battle have made it possible for our land to flourish under freedom and justice.”

1/Greetings and good afternoon from Paris, ten days before the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord. As we reflect and focus on this most solemn day, history once again serves as guide and guardian.

Greetings and good afternoon. Earlier we learned from a colleague that Bill Richardson is off on highly classified mission to negotiate the return of Jimmy Buffett. We wish them both God’s speed.

Congratulations to #India for its extraordinary accomplishment on the #MoonLanding

I seldom text about airlines, but today's experience on United leads me to conclude they need a serious lesson in customer service. No information. No service. No interaction with passengers. Serious management failure.