As Memorial Day approaches, I want to pause on the true meaning of this day. Memorial Day is not simply the start of summer or a long weekend. It is a solemn day set aside to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is a time to remember those who never came home, and to reflect on the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day.
I’ve shared before that I am the daughter of an Army veteran and the proud aunt of a wonderful soldier currently serving our country. My uncle was a Marine, and earlier in my career I had the privilege of building ships for the U.S. Navy. I have deep respect for all branches of the military, and I hold in special regard the AME members and families among us who have served, especially those whose loved ones gave their lives for our freedom.
At AME, we speak about respect for people as a foundational principle of excellence. Memorial Day is one of the clearest expressions of that respect - a recognition of selfless service, courage, and sacrifice for something greater than oneself. Their sacrifice allows us the freedom to gather, to lead and to strengthen our workplaces and communities.
This weekend, I hope you will take a moment to:
- Remember those who gave their lives in service
- Reflect with gratitude
- Spend time with family and friends
- Rest and renew for the work ahead
As we head into the summer and the rest of 2026, there are several opportunities to share, learn and grow including:
- Virtual Events: Lean certification and yellow belt training and sessions like Insights from a Healthcare Executive's Lean Journey on May 28; Introduction to Lean/ Introducción a Lean delivered in Spanish on June 2; Kata Coaching: What to expect as a coach or learner-improver on June 17; Theory of Constraints preview in Milwaukee on June 22 and Theory of Constraints flow solutions: Your path to operational excellence-Preview-Mukilteo, WA .
- AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference — October 26–29, 2026 -The AME flagship gathering brings together continuous improvement professionals from across industries, featuring peer-led sessions, live tours, and collaborative discussions to inspire and advance enterprise excellence.
This weekend, I hope you’ll join me in taking a quiet moment to honor the fallen and the families who carry their memory.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
