This Memorial Day, I'm thinking about the Arizonans who gave everything in service to this country.

I'm thinking about the families in Yuma, Tucson, Sierra Vista, and communities across our state who have sent sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters into harm's way — trusting that the democracy they were defending would still be standing when they came home.

I'm thinking about what it means to honor that sacrifice, not just with words, but with action.

The men and women who have served this country didn't fight for a democracy reserved for the few. They fought for free and fair elections. For the right of every American, regardless of race, zip code, or income, to have an equal voice. For a government that is accountable to its people, not the other way around

That is the democracy we are fighting to protect today.

Arizona has always been a state of service. We have one of the highest concentrations of veterans and military families in the nation. We know what sacrifice looks like — and we know what it demands of those of us still in the fight.

So today, we pause to honor the fallen, and we recommit to the work of making sure that what they gave their lives for — democracy, freedom, and dignity for all — is never taken for granted.

Thank you for being a part of that work.

With gratitude,

Charlene Fernandez

Chair, Arizona Democratic Party