John Husband, Chairman of the Managing Committee of Holland and Hart (the law firm Art works for), wrote the following letter to all the lawyers and staff in the firm, which is the largest law firm in the West. I appreciated what he said so much, I asked if I could share it and he agreed. I hope you all will enjoy his words as well and take them to heart on this special weekend:

 

Memorial Day will always have a special place in my heart.  The holiday was originally meant to be a time to remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Now, it also gives us the opportunity to give thanks to our soldiers who continue to protect and defend our nation.

 

The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868.  General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered flowers be placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  This tradition continues at Arlington as American flags will be placed on the 250,000 graves at the cemetery.

 

As many of you know, both of my parents fought in World War II.  My dad was involved with the first American units to see combat in North Africa, and then he fought in Sicily, Italy and Germany.  My mom was among the first women to volunteer for service in the Armed Forces.  Both now rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery, named for General John Logan, just minutes from my home.  At Fort Logan, volunteers place American flags on each grave; a ceremony is held; there are jet and helicopter flybys; and a 21-gun salute is presented.  Most of all, it allows the families of those buried there to remember and reflect.  I will visit the graves of my parents, who are laid side by side on a hillside with others who have served, and thank them for all their sacrifices so we could have the opportunities we do.

 

As we remember and reflect this weekend, I ask you all to have a peaceful weekend and give thanks.  Please take a moment to teach our children that our freedoms are a precious gift.  That there have been thousands and thousands of men and women who have paid in blood so that we may have the freedoms we all enjoy.  Please remember those who have passed and those continuing to serve as well.  I know the world continues to be a dangerous place, but I am thankful we have Americans like those on Navy Seal Team 6 protecting our freedoms.

 

I am proud of how Holland & Hart has remained strong through the trying economic times and challenges we have faced.  Where other law firms have or are failing, we have succeeded.  Our people have responded to the challenges that were presented and we did it together as a team, keeping our focus on our principles and providing our clients with excellent and innovative service.

 

Have a safe Memorial Day and I wish continued blessings to all of you, your families and our country.

 

 

John M. Husband, P.C.

Chairman

Holland & Hart LLP

555 17th Street, Suite 3200

Denver, CO 80202