LULAC: This Memorial Day We Honor Our Fallen by Upholding Their Legacy of Courage and Selfless Sacrifice

The Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Reflects on the Meaning of Remembrance and the Values Worth Defending

Washington, DC - On this solemn Memorial Day, LULAC pauses to honor with the most profound reverence the brave men and women who have died in uniform while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These heroes gave their lives not only in defense of our nation's borders but also in faithful service to the ideals that define America—freedom, equality, justice, and the unshakable belief in the dignity of every human being.

"In combat, our soldiers do not ask about race, origin, or politics," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "They serve together as one because their survival depends on unity. On this Memorial Day, we honor our fallen with words and actions that reflect their spirit—by standing up for each other, defending justice, and striving to make our country better than the day before," he adds.

As Latinos, we understand intimately the cost of this sacrifice. For generations, our families have answered the call to serve—from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan—fighting and dying on the frontlines of history so that liberty might live. Today, we remember not just their names etched in granite or medals pinned on folded flags but the essence of their service: a selfless commitment to something greater than themselves.

As we gather in remembrance, LULAC also calls upon every American to recognize the growing challenges to the values our soldiers gave their lives. Across this country, we see efforts to suppress the truth of our collective history, including the erasure of stories about soldiers of color—Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans, and others—whose valor and patriotism are equal parts of our national fabric. These omissions dishonor not just the individual but the nation they served.

Moreover, we are witnessing policies and practices that would deny people due process, instill fear in immigrant communities, and undermine the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. It is hard to imagine that the fallen—those who bled and died under the American flag—would have accepted a version of America where children live in fear of separation, families face deportation without trial, and lawful civic engagement is branded a crime.

"We serve as one in uniform, and that same principle must guide us in our daily lives. The highest tribute we can pay to those who died in service is to live lives worthy of their sacrifice—lives rooted in truth, compassion, and unity. We must be the America they believed in and never forget why they gave all."

LULAC calls upon every American—especially our Latino families whose contributions and sacrifices are woven into every era of American conflict—to reflect deeply on what Memorial Day truly means. It is more than a three-day weekend or a flag at half-staff. It is a solemn promise to remember, uphold, and fight for the ideals that brought our fallen heroes to their final breath.

Let us not allow their sacrifice to be in vain. Let us rise, as one people, to protect the freedoms they died defending. May we, as LULAC has for 96 years, continue the work of justice, unity, and liberty for all.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.