How do you say thank you to those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom?

On this day set aside to honor those who’ve died while serving in the Armed Forces, it’s a question worth asking.

While our gratitude may be great, we often struggle to find a way to express it. After all, we can’t simply tell them thank you.

We can honor their service, we can remember their sacrifice, but the most meaningful way to express our appreciation may be to support those they have left behind.

It’s hard to imagine the pain of losing a loved one in war. Sure, death is always a possibility  for our nation’s service members. But knowing it’s a possibility doesn’t prepare you for the emptiness that follows.

In a country at war, wives, husbands, fathers, mothers and children too often have to face life without loved ones. Their sacrifice is great, too.

On this Memorial Day, remember those left behind as well. And find a way to help them through the pain that accompanies this holiday.