CME Stands in Solemn GratitudeThis Memorial Day

by CME Press Room | Published May 22, 2026

WASHINGTON – The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME), a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces, issued the following statement in honor of Memorial Day:

"Memorial Day is a solemn obligation. It is the day we set aside to remember the men and women who gave everything, not for politics, not for recognition, but for the idea that this nation, and the freedom it represents, is worth dying for.

"Military excellence is not an abstraction. It is built on the sacrifice of those who never came home. Every standard we fight to uphold, every policy we push to strengthen, every dollar we demand be directed to the warfighter rather than the bureaucracy. It is all done in their name. Their sacrifice is the foundation on which this organization stands.

"This Memorial Day, we call on every American to go beyond the cookouts and the long weekend and take a moment to speak the names of the fallen out loud. Visit a memorial. Find a Gold Star family and let them know their loved one is not forgotten. Teach your children that freedom is not free, that it was purchased, at great cost, by men and women who answered a call most will never hear.

"We also call on our nation's leaders to honor the fallen not with words alone, but with action. That means maintaining the highest standards of military readiness and excellence, ensuring our armed forces are led on merit, funded properly, and never used as a vehicle for political agendas that would have dishonored those who served before us. The best tribute we can offer the fallen is a military worthy of their sacrifice.

"CME stands in solemn gratitude this Memorial Day. We remember them. We honor them. And we will never stop fighting for the military excellence their sacrifice demands," said Amber Smith, CME Military Advisor.

The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces. CME is committed to combating policies and practices that undermine military excellence and threaten veteran support services. CME’s mission is to ensure the United States military remains focused on our nation's security through merit, strength, and excellence, while advocating for veterans and military.

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CME has a roster of experienced, veteran and military ambassadors available for comment or interview. If you're interested in getting their unique perspectives for your coverage, please email inquiries@militaryexcellence.org.