ABOARD USS WASP (Off the coast of Sardinia, Italy) -- The President has directed that on Memorial Day, all Americans should take time to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday. It is the one day out of the year that, as a nation, we should focus our awareness and reverence on those Americans who died while defending our nation and its values. Although the sacrifices of these brave men and women should remain with us each day, it is especially important to do so on Memorial Day.Therefore, in accordance with the President's directive, the Marines and Sailors of the 24th MEU (SOC) will take a moment during their participation in NATO's Exercise Dynamic Mix 2000 to recognize and honor the brave men and women that paved the way for servicemembers today. This recognition sends the message to the MEU personnel that they are the continuance of a legacy of warriors.Follow the 24th MEU (SOC) deployment on their website at www.usmc.mil/24meu.