While Memorial Day offers the perks of a long weekend ahead of the summer season, it is most importantly a day of remembrance.

Memorial Day, which became an official federal holiday in 1971, honors American soldiers who died while fighting for their country and is observed on the last Monday in May.

To celebrate the valor of those who lost their lives while serving in the military, consider sharing some inspirational quotes, complied from Brainy Quote and A-Z Quotes.

1. “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy

2. “There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” — Nick Lampson

3. “It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” — Norman Schwarzkopf

4. “The average American is nothing if not patriotic.” — Herbert Croly

5. “Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.” — Omar N. Bradley

6. “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” — Bill Clinton

7. “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” — Joseph Campbell

8. “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor. — Paul Tsongas

9. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” — Harry S. Truman

10. “On what rests the hope of the republic? One country, one language, one flag!” — Alexander Henry

11. “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” — Minot Judson Savage

12. “True patriotism isn’t cheap. It’s about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going.” — Robert Reich

13. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” — George S. Patton

14. “A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle, and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.” — George William Curtis

15. “To our Soldiers: Thank you, again and again, you will always matter, not only on this Memorial Day but every day!” — Nathan East

Memorial Day 2017
Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) salute as Taps is heard nearby during "Flags-in", where a flag is placed at each of the 284,000 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, ahead of Memorial Day, in Arlington, Virginia, May 25, 2017. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque