The month of May presented us with many meaningful opportunities—to honor our fallen heroes, serve our veterans, and celebrate the next generation of military leaders.

It was my distinct privilege to serve as the keynote speaker at several Memorial Day events throughout the commonwealth. I had the honor to participate in ceremonies at Camp Hill, West Mifflin Borough, and representing Governor Josh Shapiro at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County. Though these locations varied, the message remained constant and profound: It is our solemn obligation to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.

I also had the opportunity to join the annual Memorial Day observance in Boalsburg to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the 28th Infantry Division. These men and women answered the call of duty with courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication—from the trenches of World War I to the hedgerows of Normandy, and from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of the Middle East. Their legacy is etched into the fabric of our history, and it is our enduring duty to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Looking ahead, the future of our military remains bright. I was privileged to attend the graduation and commissioning ceremonies at Valley Forge Military College. The young officers I met were impressive, motivated, and ready to lead. I am confident they will continue to uphold the proud traditions of our armed forces.

This month also brought an inspiring moment through the Our Community Salutes program in Pittsburgh, where we celebrated high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in the military following graduation. It was a pleasure for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to be part of this milestone in their journeys toward service. These future patriots embody the values we hold dear.

Another notable event was the annual Boss Lift, hosted by the Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This initiative gives civilian employers a firsthand look at what their employees in the National Guard do in service to our commonwealth and nation. We are deeply grateful to all employers who support their employees’ military commitments—your understanding and flexibility are vital to our mission.

As we reflect on Memorial Day and the lives of those we have lost, let us renew our commitment to service, to each other, and to the sacred duty of remembrance. Their sacrifice is not a chapter of history to be closed—it is a legacy we are entrusted to carry forward.

I look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as we continue to build upon the programs and priorities of the DMVA.

Major General John R. Pippy

Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA