William Schaefer’s Post

We want to welcome Amyx to #BPF! We are excited to have them among our National Partners. We are beyond grateful to have the support and commitment of our partners to continue our #MISSION Honoring the Memory. Serving the Families. of the U.S. Border Patrol. Learn more: borderpatrolfoundation.org #HonoringtheMemory #BorderPatrolFoundation #BPF #CBP #BorderPatrol #BorderSecurity #BorderPatrolHQ #USBP #HonorFirst #lawenforcement #endofwatch #thingreenline #tactical #firstresponder #usa #publicsafety #10-42 #eow #gonebutnotforgotten #lineofduty #neverforget #memorial #giving

As we approach the anniversary of Juneteenth and the fourth year of its implementation as a federal holiday, we should take the time to reflect on our nation’s journey toward freedom and equality.    Although slavery legally ended in 1863 with the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, the enforcement of this change depended on Union Troops. It wasn’t until they reached Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, that the last slaves were finally freed. This day was then coined Juneteenth and celebrated annually in Texas and around the country in black communities as a day of freedom.    Juneteenth and other significant milestones represent the enduring legacy of freedom, justice, and equality that the United States has consistently striven toward. James Baldwin, a literary luminary and significant figure in the landscape of black art and history once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Although we have further to go and have faced many challenges in the pursuit of progress, the United States has always been marked by our ambition to work toward continual improvement and freedom for all.    As you’re enjoying your Juneteenth holiday, take part in the many celebrations occurring nationally and in your own communities. But also, make sure to take the time to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the freedoms of all Americans that we must continually strive to uplift. 

Every Memorial Day, a nationwide Moment of Remembrance takes place to acknowledge members of our Armed Forces and others who have fallen in service to our nation. Established in 2000, this National Moment of Remembrance came about to accompany the multitude of existing Memorial Day traditions, including proud flag displays and laying wreaths, quiet visits to gravesites to leave flowers with loved ones, reverential Memorial Day services and joyful parades to celebrate the vibrant memories of those no longer with us. In May 1996, a group of children in Washington, D.C. were asked if they knew what Memorial Day was and their response was, “that’s when the pools open!” It turned out, according to a May 2000 Gallup poll, only around 28% of Americans knew the true meaning of Memorial Day. It was soon after established that every Memorial Day, a moment of silence would take place for one minute at 3:00PM local time to remember those servicemen and women who died while serving the U.S. military. Paying tribute to those around us—our customers, partners, and communities—is a core component of Amyx’s mission. Although each year provides many events, opportunities for donation, and dedicated holidays to recognize our Armed Forces, Memorial Day is specifically meant to honor our fallen soldiers and pay gratitude for their service. At Amyx, we encourage you to take that part in this year’s Moment of Remembrance in addition to your other holiday weekend celebrations. Remember, the best way we can honor those who have passed in service to our Nation is to live in a way that upholds the values they fought for.