The Memorial Day holiday weekend, as it always does, offers wide opportunity to recognize and be thankful for the sacrifices of those Americans in uniform who’ve paid the ultimate earthly cost to maintain the freedoms we enjoy — and even take for granted far too often.

Thus, it’s altogether proper that we remember the ongoing high cost of liberty this weekend as we pause individually — or gather collectively — to honor this nation’s war dead.

Today, on this page, we offer glimpses of the precious price paid by many Americans who’ve served in conflicts past and present. Their selflessness should humble us, and encourage us all to live in such a way as to make all of the sacrifice and suffering endured by our military casualties a worthwhile, sacred investment in our nation’s survival and future.

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The burial mounds at the Ocmulgee National Monument, near Macon, were built by Native Americans during the Mississippian period, around 1000 CE. The park, designated a National Historic Park, is part of the rich cultural resources of the Ocmulgee River Corridor. (Courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation)

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC