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44 Famous Memorial Day Quotes to Honor America's Fallen Heroes

1

Maya Angelou

“how important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes” —maya angelouCountry Living

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes.”

2

Lee Greenwood

“and i’m proud to be an american, where at least i know i’m free and i won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me” —lee greenwoodCountry Living

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”

3

Tamra Bolton

“this is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home this is not veterans day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom” —tamra boltonCountry Living

“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.”

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4

William J. Clinton

“there is nothing wrong with america that cannot be cured with what is right in america” —william j clintonCountry Living

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.”

5

Elie Wiesel

memorial day quote by elie wiesel Liz Carpino / EyeEm//Getty Images

"Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future."

6

G.K. Chesterton

memorial day quote by gk chestertonDan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die."

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7

Sun Tzu

memorial day quote by sun tzu skodonnell//Getty Images

"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death."

8

Benjamin Disraeli

memorial day quote by benjamin disraeliStephanie Rausser//Getty Images

"The legacy of heroes — the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example."

9

John F. Kennedy

memorial day quote by john f kennedy Liz Carpino / EyeEm//Getty Images

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."

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10

St. Ambrose

memorial day quote by st ambroseDan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images

“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”

11

Sgt. Major Bill Paxton

memorial day quote from sgt major bill paxton skodonnell//Getty Images

"May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn't free."

12

Winston Churchill

memorial day quote by winston churchill Stephanie Rausser//Getty Images

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

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13

Ronald Reagan

memorial day quote by ronald reagan Liz Carpino / EyeEm//Getty Images

“…And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice."

14

Judd Gregg

memorial day quote by judd greggDan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images

“The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment."

15

Gen. Douglas MacArthur

memorial day quote by gen douglas macarthur skodonnell//Getty Images

"Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”

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16

Gen. George S. Patton

memorial day quote by gen george s patton Stephanie Rausser//Getty Images

“It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.”

17

Beth Pennington

memorial day quote by beth pennington Liz Carpino / EyeEm//Getty Images

"As we set today aside to honor and thank our veterans, let us be mindful that we should do this every day of the year and not just one."

18

Cynthia Ozick

memorial day quote by cynthia ozickDan Reynolds Photography//Getty Images

"We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."

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19

Harry S. Truman

memorial day quote by harry s truman skodonnell//Getty Images

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices."

20

Bob Dylan

memorial day quote by bob dylan Stephanie Rausser//Getty Images

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom."

Headshot of Jessica Leigh Mattern

Jessica Leigh Mattern is a web editor and writer who covers home, holiday, DIY, crafts, travel, and more lifestyle topics. Prior to working for Country Living, she wrote for several lifestyle and women’s magazines including Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan, and Redbook

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