Tuesday, May 29, 2007

28 May 2007: Happy Memorial Day!




What is Memorial Day? Some view it as the first official weekend of summer. Others just see it as a long weekend. Many will enjoy it as a time to be with family or vacation. But what is it really all about? Why do we have Memorial Day? It’s very simple. Since the founding of our nation over a million men and women have given their lives in preserving the freedoms we enjoy today. From the Revolutionary War to today’s ongoing war against terror, men and women of every background have given themselves to something greater than themselves. Even as I write this it is likely that a fellow service member may be paying the ultimate sacrifice here in Iraq, in Afghanistan, or somewhere else in the world. I’m not going to get into a political or war debate here. All I’m asking is that you treat Memorial Day for what it is – a day to honor all of the heroes who’ve given their lives for you. They gave their lives so that you could have your own opinion, belong to the political party of your choosing, pursue your dreams in whatever your chosen field, and travel freely throughout our nation to enjoy this long weekend. There is no country in the world as prosperous in freedom as the United States. Likewise, there is no country in the history of the world that has given so generously to the people of other nations around the globe as the United States. Our great nation has persevered for over 200 years because of those we honor on Memorial Day. Today is not a day of protest. It is simply a day of solitude to remember why we have the right to express our gratitude freely. Remember them, honor them, and treasure their sacrifices.

While you are enjoying this Memorial Day weekend also keep in mind that the men and women deployed are focused on their jobs at hand. To them it’s just another day. Although we paused for remembrance today, the work continued. It was not a day off, a day of barbeques, or a day of fun at the beach. Memorial Day, as with every other day of the year, is another day where we face down our enemies and ensure that our generation will preserve our great nation for the next. So please, take just a small moment out of Memorial Day and remember what it’s all about.

Dedicated to the memory of every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, coast guardsman, merchant marine, civilian contractor, and volunteer who have laid their lives at the altar of freedom for our nation throughout its history. May you and your families be at peace for all eternity. Well done thou good and faithful servant.

1 comment:

njatee said...

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