Today, as we gather to commemorate Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. We remember their courage, commitment, and selflessness—and express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice.
Let us especially remember those who once stood beside us, sworn to protect our freedom and safeguard a better future for our families. Memorial Day is a National Day of Remembrance, but for many, especially within our own community, no reminder is needed.
We recall with reverence two of our own: LTC David Canegata III and SFC Floyd Lake Sr., Virgin Islands Soldiers who paid the ultimate price over 15 years ago. Their memory lives on in the hearts of their families, friends, and the Virgin Islands National Guard. Today, we stand with those families and extend our continued support, prayers, and gratitude. They will always be part of our military family.
As we reflect, we are reminded that every fallen hero leaves a lasting imprint. Their absence is felt not only in the ranks but in the homes, workplaces, and communities they touched. On this solemn day, we also acknowledge the strength of those left behind—their resilience is a powerful testament to love and sacrifice.
The National Guard is the nation’s dual-mission operational Combat Reserve and Defense Support of Civil Authorities force. The Virgin Islands National Guard remains “Always Ready and Always There” with a focus on people, readiness, modernization, and lethality. As we continue to build warfighter readiness, we build on the legacy of duty, honor, and selfless service of those who served before us. The freedom we enjoy today exists because of their sacrifices, and it is our duty to protect and preserve that legacy as we safeguard our nation’s way of life.
On behalf of the Virgin Islands National Guard, “Guardians of the Eastern Front” and protectors of freedom, I encourage all to take this day to remember, reflect, and honor the fallen. Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
—Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker is an adjutant general, major general, with the Virgin Islands National Guard
