SouthernWorldwide.com – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Robert Griffin III, a former quarterback for the Washington Commanders and the son of two U.S. Army veterans, emphasized the profound significance of the holiday during a visit to Washington D.C.
Griffin participated in a longstanding partnership with USAA, visiting their Poppy Wall of Honor on the National Mall. This poignant tribute features over 600,000 poppies, each representing a service member who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
He highlighted the importance of remembering these sacrifices, noting that while the service members are no longer present to feel the impact, their families carry the weight of their loss. “To hear those stories from the families is truly important and impactful, and all they want is to not be forgotten,” Griffin stated.
Read more : Bags Stranded After Airport Technical Glitch Disrupts Travel
Griffin acknowledged that many Americans will enjoy the long weekend with recreational activities. However, he urged them to pause and reflect on the fundamental reason behind their ability to do so.
“I’m not saying it’s not about that. What I’m saying is there’s a reason that we’re able to do that, and it’s because of our service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Griffin explained. He encouraged people to take a moment, perhaps in a huddle or a moment of silence, to honor those who have fallen and keep their stories alive.
His upbringing surrounded by veterans has instilled in him valuable life lessons. These lessons, he believes, extend beyond the football field and into everyday life.
“Yeah, it’s not two-pointed at all. It’s very impactful. With my parents, it was always, ‘Whatever you start, you’re going to finish.’ It’s ‘yes, ma’am,’ ‘no, ma’am,’ ‘yes, sir,’ ‘no, sir,’ and the discipline that it takes to get to where you want to be means that you’re going to have to overcome adversity,” he shared.
Griffin marveled at the mental fortitude required of service members, who face the possibility of not returning to their loved ones. He described this resilience as truly remarkable and a testament to their dedication and love for the country.
“If we can apply that to everything that we do in life, this country is going to continue to grow and continue to be great at the level that it has been. To me, that is what the military is. It is the best of us, and these people deserve to be honored,” he concluded.
