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VFW POST 2223 (Savanna, IL) MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH - 2007 Thank you very much for that nice introduction. (Thank and recognize the VFW, American Legion, etc.) I am truly honored and very humbled to speak to you on this Memorial Day…to speak on behalf of all those who have ever worn the U.S. uniform—and to honor those who have fallen in service--is a great privilege and a great honor. I want to welcome and thank all of you who have come out to attend this ceremony today. I want to welcome all of our special guests and extend a warm welcome…and give my personal thanks…to all of those who have served—our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and airwomen, and members of the Coast Guard. Finally, I want to extend a very special welcome to all those who have lost loved ones in service to our country. I hope you know with great confidence that the sacrifice of your loved ones will never be forgotten—today we honor and remember them. Today is their day. Memorial Day was established as a day of remembrance for those who have fallen in service to our country. Ceremonies just like this one will occur all across our great country today, highlighted by the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, President Bush will place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns…this a ceremony that ultimately symbolizes everything that Memorial Day stands for. The identities of the people in those tombs are known only to our God…yet their spirit and courage touch all of us. For those who have served, Memorial Day needs no explanation. In fact, to war veterans and survivors of those lost, every day is a Memorial Day. However, in the fast-paced world we live in, especially in our country so full of blessings, it is very important that we all take time to reflect on what today really means. Today will invoke many feelings and emotions across our great country—especially for those who have lost family or friends in military service. Finding words to adequately capture all of these emotions and feelings is a monumental…and probably impossible task. Memorial Day invokes many conflicting emotions, emotions such as: pride, sorrow, appreciation, gratitude, humility, respect, and many, many other feelings. There are many ways to honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day…ceremonies like this one, parades, a visit to the military section of a local or national cemetery…or perhaps the very best way…silent reflection. Regardless of the activity, it is important we never forget the over 1 million people who have died in wars and conflicts throughout our country’s history. My true wish and hope for today is that all Americans will take a moment and reflect on what Memorial Day really means. It is important that we honor and pay tribute to the sacrifices of our service men and women—those who have given their lives to protect our freedom. Freedom comes with a great cost—and it is with great gratitude to our fallen heroes that we live in a country where freedom, liberty, and the opportunity to pursue any dream is the right of every citizen. Unfortunately, it can become far too easy to take our freedom for granted…and to forget that these rights and liberties were earned…not given. They were earned through the sacrifices and lives of many, many brave men and women…men and women who left their own families behind to protect our nation. Our freedom has withstood many tests and challenges throughout history…and will continue to do so. As you well know, we now live in an especially delicate moment in time…when many are crying out for world peace…while many terrorists are trying to destroy our freedom. This is a time that will again test us…and test the resolve of freedom and democracy. Our Armed Forces are fighting valiantly and continue to stand ready…just as they always have. And despite all the hostile debate between our political parties, activists, and other groups, let us never forget the message that is contained in a poem by Charles M. Province. This poem tells very simply that regardless of our viewpoint on any given conflict, our freedoms have never come from politicians, activists or protestors…but from the unparalleled efforts our service men and women. The poem is entitled “It Is The Soldier”…and it has been read at many events like this one. You may have heard it…but I think it bears repeating at this event, on this Memorial Day, and especially in the context of today’s global war on terror. I’d like to read it for you now: IT IS THE SOLDIER It is the soldier, not the minister Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the soldier, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer Who has given us freedom to protest. It is the soldier, not the lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the soldier, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped in the flag, Who allows the protestor to burn the flag. (brief pause) Charles M. Province was a British scholar whose works reflected his passion for freedom and democracy. He openly admitted that war is an ugly thing; however, he also openly recognized that there is nothing more ugly than a nation of people without freedom or liberty. And so, on this Memorial Day I ask that you never forget those who have given their lives so we can stand here today in peace and freedom. I ask that you never forget the mothers who received flags at the graveside services of their sons. I ask that you never forget the children who said good-bye to their father or mother and never saw them return from the war zone. I ask that you never forget the spouses who were left to raise their children alone because their husband or wife chose to leave their own family behind…to protect yours. Today is a special day…today is for those who fought and died for our freedom. So I close with the words of President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan was a leader who dedicated his entire presidency to the worldwide spread of freedom and democracy. In his words: “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” Thank you, again, and may God Bless you and your family this Memorial Day…and everyday…and may he continue to bless our great country.
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