This Week’s Blog Is Written By Scott D. Heins, CFP®, IAG Chief Investment Officer
May 20, 2026

Sacrifice

Do you have any plans this weekend? Maybe it is time to take the boat or the camper out for the first time. Or have a large family gathering at a park.

Memorial Day weekend has unofficially become the start line for summer, but that is not how it all started.

It started as a localized tradition in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. Loved ones would organize a Decoration Day where they would decorate their soldiers’ graves. Instead of a celebration, it was a memorial to fallen soldiers.

It was not until 1868 that the first national Decoration Day was held on May 30 at Arlington National Cemetery. One hundred years later, Congress approved a national Memorial Day to be held on the last Monday of May each year.

Memorial Day honors every single one of the brave men and women who have died in military service for their country.

Do we still honor their sacrifice?

It is truly a blessing that a smaller and smaller percentage of our country’s citizens have actively served in the military during a war. Fewer and fewer families have suffered the scarring loss of a child, spouse, or parent in armed conflict.

In an economic sense, scarcity creates value. In a Memorial Day sense, I am afraid that scarcity is leading to depreciation.

How many able-bodied American citizens are willing to suspend their current way of life and risk their very lives to defend their country in time of need?

We know the answer for past generations. Millions have answered that call. Many never returned home.

Granted, certain elements of modern warfare are far different from the World Wars. There are more machines, more technology, and fewer people. However, the images from Ukraine over the last several years remind us that the need for tremendous sacrifice is not extinct.

Please thoroughly enjoy your upcoming Memorial Day weekend – the time with family, the extra day off, the furniture sale, etc.

At some point, please also take sufficient time to reflect on the incredible sacrifices that others have made over the last 250 years to create and protect the opportunities that you enjoy today. You likely cannot even begin to comprehend how your life would be different today without their cumulative sacrifice.

Quote of the week: Napoleon Hill: “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.”

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principle.

ART: 1112064
Photo Credit: iStock 2233326283