As the sun set over the St. Johns River last week, hundreds of Floridians gathered on the pier beside the USS Orleck Naval Museum to remember what Memorial Day is really about.
Hosted by Americans for Prosperity, The LIBRE Initiative, and Concerned Veterans for America, the “Last Full Measure of Devotion” event brought together veterans, military families, Gold Star families, and community leaders as part of AFP’s “One Small Step” celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Attendees enjoyed barbecue, listened to live music, observed the color guard, and heard reflections from speakers including U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, CVA Executive Director John Vick, and actor and Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle.
But beneath the energy and celebration was a deeper purpose: honoring the Americans who gave their lives defending freedom.
Remembering the real meaning of Memorial Day
For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Speakers throughout the evening encouraged attendees not to lose sight of the sacrifice behind the holiday.
Memorial Day reminds us that the blessings of freedom are not free — they are earned and protected through courage and devotion.
The setting reinforced that message. Docked along Jacksonville’s waterfront, the USS Orleck served in the Korean War and later became one of the most decorated destroyers of its era. Today, the ship stands as a reminder of the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve.
Sen. Moody (below) connected Memorial Day to Jacksonville’s deep military roots and America’s approaching 250th anniversary.
“The fallen soldiers we honor this Memorial Day weekend gave everything to preserve this nation,” Sen. Moody said. “The best way we can honor them and their families is by living worthy of that sacrifice, by standing for the principles they defended.”
Throughout her remarks, Moody emphasized that remembrance alone is not enough.
“Freedom must be fiercely protected, strengthened, and then carried forward,” she said.
That idea became a common theme throughout the night.
Veterans reflect on sacrifice and service
For veterans in attendance, Memorial Day carries a personal weight that grows heavier over time.
Below, you can see Vick, executive director of CVA, reflect on how the meaning of the holiday has changed throughout his life and military service.
“When we talk about Memorial Day, we’re talking about what is an incomprehensible sacrifice,” Vick said.
He spoke about ordinary moments many Americans experience without a second thought, and how Memorial Day reminds him of fellow service members who never had those opportunities.
“Every year that goes by, you remember the folks that you lost along the way,” Vick said. “The folks that are not going to have those Mother’s Day lunches or those Little League games.”
Those reflections resonated throughout the crowd, especially among veterans and Gold Star families who understand the lasting cost of military sacrifice.
Riggle brought humor and perspective to the evening while reflecting on service, patriotism, and the importance of civic responsibility.
“The coals have to be stirred every now and then,” Riggle said while discussing patriotism in America with podcast host David From. “We have to remind ourselves every now and then who we are.”
Riggle encouraged attendees to revisit America’s founding principles and appreciate the freedoms generations of Americans fought to preserve.
Rob Riggle (left) speaking with David From, host of the “American Potential” podcast (right)
Carrying freedom forward
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, AFP’s One Small Step initiative encourages Americans to recommit themselves to the principles that shaped the country from the beginning: liberty, self-government, service, and personal responsibility.
The Jacksonville event reflected those values in action and reminded attendees that remembering the fallen is not passive. It requires gratitude, reflection, and a willingness to carry forward the values they defended.
As the evening came to a close, attendees left reminded that freedom endures only when Americans choose to protect it, strengthen it, and pass it on to the next generation.
Join us in remembering America’s uniqueness and values by signing up for our monthly One Small Step toolkit, where you can participate in this celebration with monthly activities.
