More Than a Long Weekend

The Meaning of Memorial Day

As someone who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, I’ve had the honor of working alongside some of the finest men and women this country has ever known—many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is not just a holiday; it’s a moment to pause, remember, and reflect on those who gave everything so we could live freely.

For me, Memorial Day is personal. My father served in Vietnam as a Navy Corpsman—a role that required courage, compassion, and incredible resilience. My grandfather served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps, part of the Greatest Generation that stood up against tyranny when the world needed it most. I follow in their footsteps, proud to carry forward a legacy of service and commitment to something larger than ourselves.

A Brief History Worth Remembering Memorial Day began shortly after the Civil War, originally known as Decoration Day. Americans in communities across the country would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and wreaths. It was a solemn and unifying act of remembrance in the wake of a nation torn apart. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday, observed on the last Monday in May. Though its meaning has evolved, its purpose remains the same: to honor those who died in service to the United States.

In today’s fast-moving world of cloud technology, fiber infrastructure, and digital transformation, it’s easy to let the days blend together. But Memorial Day stands apart. It’s a national reminder that our freedoms were not free. Behind every barbecued burger and beach trip are the names and stories of heroes who never came home.

This weekend, I encourage you to do three things:

1. Remember. Take a moment to read the names etched on a memorial. Learn about one fallen service member. Say their name out loud.
2. Reflect. Consider how their sacrifice enabled the opportunities we pursue today—whether it's building a smarter network, scaling a SaaS platform, or starting a business.
3. Reach out. If you know a Gold Star family, a veteran, or someone still serving, let them know you're thinking of them. A simple gesture means more than you know.

To my fellow veterans and those still in uniform: thank you. To those we’ve lost: we remember you, we honor you, and we carry your legacy forward—in our work, our communities, and our lives.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day.

James J. Dimmer IIIUS Army Signal Corps VeteranSE US Regional Sales Manager, GCGWith over 20 years of experience in broadband network infrastructure, outside plant fiber, and federal and commercial sales, James brings mission-driven leadership to every connection he builds. From the battlefield to the boardroom, he understands the value of service, strategy, and results.📧 jdimmer@gogcg.com | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/jamesdimmer