. . .Americans pay tribute to those who have given their lives in the service of our nation. As we honor the members of our Armed Forces who have died for our freedom, we also honor those who are defending our liberties today. Our citizens live in freedom because patriots are willing to serve and sacrifice for our liberty. . .Today a new generation of Americans is making its own sacrifice on behalf of peace and freedom, and some have given their lives.In their hometowns, these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are more than names on a roll of honor. They were friends and neighbors, teachers and coaches, classmates and colleagues. Each was the most important person in someone's life; each had hopes for the future, and each left a place that can never be filled.
We mourn their loss, and we honor their sacrifice. We pray for their families. And we take heart in knowing that these men and women believed deeply in what they were fighting for.
- President George W. Bush (radio address 05.28.05)
My father was too young for Korea and too old for Vietnam. One of my uncles served in Vietnam, came home whole, and served until his retirement. Why am I telling you this? Just to say that I realize that many people have a much more personal reason for their feelings and emotional investment today. Still, all Americans have cause to remember these patriots, these heros. It is for all of us that they sacrifice so greatly. Our safety, security, liberty, and freedoms are all paid for with their many great sacrifices. They have sacrificed their time, their families, their bodies and their lives. There is nothing we can do that will even begin to repay them for all they've given, but today we try.
Today many of us will take a day off from work, cook out, and spend time with our families and friends. Those who we remember would surely have no problem with that. It is things like these for which they have worked and fought and died so we can enjoy. But while we are enjoying the fruits of our freedom let's remember those who allow us to be free. I don't believe that anyone has ever said it better than Thomas Paine in his first "Crisis" paper:
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. (I encourage you to read the entire essay here)
Thank you. May God bless you for all you do and for all you have done. I pledge, and ask others to join me, to never forget your great gift, nor it's price.
