Across the country, State Defense Forces paused this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of the United States. From stirring musical tributes to solemn messages of reflection, the Georgia State Defense Force, the Texas State Guard’s 2nd Brigade, and the Virginia Defense Force demonstrated their enduring commitment to preserving the memory of our fallen heroes.
In Houston, Texas, the 2nd Brigade of the Texas State Guard played a prominent role at the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony held at the Houston National Cemetery on May 26, 2025. Brigadier General E.A. “Buddy” Grantham, the 2nd Brigade’s Commanding Officer, served as the keynote speaker. His powerful remarks paid tribute to the harmony and sacrifice of soldiers in battle, echoing General George S. Patton Jr.’s “Musicians of Mars” speech. “Every soldier does his job, every soldier is important to achieve harmony in battle,” he said, emphasizing unity and teamwork as cornerstones of military excellence. General Grantham reminded the audience that honoring the fallen is not just a ceremony, but a duty: “When you leave here today, know that our destiny as a free people is entirely up to us.” Members of the 2nd Brigade, who have long participated in this ceremony, also supported the parade of colors and provided a visible presence of dedication to duty and remembrance.
In Georgia, Soldiers of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) stood watch in solemn reverence at two major Memorial Day ceremonies. At the Marietta National Cemetery, GSDF troops joined the public in honoring those who gave their lives in service. Brigadier General Dennis Watts, Commanding General of the GSDF, was present alongside Soldiers as they paid tribute in uniformed formation. Simultaneously, in the City of Dunwoody, the GSDF Band delivered a patriotic performance as part of the community’s Memorial Day observance. Their music served not only to uplift but to remind attendees of the nation’s shared debt to the fallen. These ceremonies were not merely public events—they were expressions of the GSDF’s mission as a component of the Georgia Department of Defense to serve, support, and remember.
The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) marked Memorial Day through a powerful message from its commander, Brigadier General (Va.) Rich Diddams. Addressing all members of the VDF, General Diddams called on his troops to remember the fallen not out of obligation, but out of privilege. Quoting President Ronald Reagan, he reminded the force that freedom must be defended anew by every generation. “The sacrifices of our fallen heroes demand nothing less,” he wrote, urging VDF members to train diligently, serve selflessly, and lead with integrity. The message was a reminder that even when not physically gathered, the VDF’s dedication to honoring the fallen remains unshaken.
These are just a few examples of how State Defense Forces across the nation observed Memorial Day 2025. Through public ceremonies, musical tributes, and heartfelt messages, these state-organized military units reaffirmed their sacred commitment: to remember the fallen, to support their families, and to uphold the freedoms for which they gave their lives.
Brig. Gen. E.A. “Buddy” Grantham, Commander, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, is the Keynote Speaker at the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery, May 26, 2025. Grantham remembered all those who have given their life in service to this country and also recognized the service and sacrifice of family members and veterans present at the ceremony.
He explained, “When I come into this cemetery throughout the year, I hear music, even without Taps or anything coming from speakers, …the synchronized music of a symphony is what I hear amongst the tombstones, I hear and imagine all of these veterans playing their part in great symphonies on stages that we called battlefields.” He recalled General George S Patton Jr’s “Musicians of Mars” speech: ‘Every soldier does his job, every soldier is important to achieve harmony in battle. Team play wins.’
Grantham concluded, “Your presence here today is a tribute to troops we have lost and their families, it is a way to say we remember and honor them all. When you leave here today, know that our destiny as a free people is entirely up to us. Let every deed and act of each of our days be guided by the memory of those who gave their lives for our future freedoms.”
Grantham, as well as other members of 2nd Brigade, have been honored to assist at this annual ceremony, including the parade of colors, for many years, honoring the fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. We never forget. (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) band, Memorial Day observance, City of Dunwoody, May 26, 2025.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense.
Commander of the Virginia Defense Force 2025 Memorial Day Message
To the members of the Virginia Defense Force:
On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to freedom are the bedrock upon which our country stands. Today, as we reflect let us renew our obligation to remember their sacrifices — not just as a duty, but as a profound privilege that calls us to live up to the ideals they defended.
The Virginia Defense Force carries forward a proud tradition of service, rooted in the very DNA of our American spirit. From the earliest days of our Commonwealth, Virginians have answered the call to serve and protect our liberties by standing with those who gave their all. Let the memory of their sacrifice inspire you to embody the highest standards of honor, duty, and excellence in all you do. Their lives remind us that service is not just a choice — it is a responsibility we are entrusted to uphold.
President Ronald Reagan, captured the essence of this day with timeless words: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” These words challenge us to be vigilant stewards of liberty, ensuring that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes endure through our actions.
This call to action resonates deeply: “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” Let this be our charge. Strive to be the best you can be: train diligently, serve selflessly, and lead with integrity. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes demand nothing less. Their courage lights the path forward, and your commitment ensures their legacy lives on.
On this Day, let us recommit to excellence in service, inspired by those who gave everything for us.
May you continue to make the Virginia Defense Force a shining example of honor, duty, and patriotism.
Semper Fidelis,
//signed//
Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams
Virginia Defense Force
Commander
Sources: Texas State Guard – Georgia State Defense Force – Virginia Defense Force
