In cities and towns across America, citizens will gather on Memorial Day to watch colorful parades, spend time with loved ones, and adorn the graves of our fallen heroes with simple flowers and flags. I hope you find a moment to share in this national observance and to reflect on the lives of those we have lost.

The horrific events of September 11, 2001, brought home the fragility of our freedom. So this Memorial Day, we remember the many men and women who are fighting to defend us in the Global War on Terror. Because of their bravery and sacrifices, more than 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq have been freed from oppressive regimes, and America is safer because of it.

At the Department of Housing and Urban Development, we fly the American flag and the POW-MIA flag as a sign of respect for our lost and fallen soldiers. And HUD is proud to ease the burden of those on active duty through the service members Civil Relief Act, which provides them with mortgage relief and other protections.

From Valley Forge to Baghdad, America's military men and women have helped build a stronger nation and a safer world. As Secretary of HUD, I join President Bush in encouraging you to remember, honor, and pray for the many defenders of Democracy who died for their country. We are forever in their debt.