Memorial Day is a very special day for all Americans and is unlike any other day in this country. Memorial Day means something different for all Americans. Although respect should be paid year round, this is the one day of the year where we honor those who have lost their lives protecting our values, our citizens, our Constitution, and our country. Since 1868, we have gathered on this weekend to pay our respects and lay flags and flowers on the graves of those brave souls that have lost their lives on the behalf of ours.
Today, many feel some sort of grief and I ask that you encompass these emotions with a feeling of pride and patriotism. I would like to quote George Patton and say “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” America is the single greatest country in the world and we owe it all to those who have fought for it. The men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice must be thanked from the bottom our hearts.
Hundreds of years later and millions of lives lost, we still stand here today, under old faithful, with vast freedoms that people around the world yearn for. We are here today, and will be here tomorrow because of our soldiers. Although we don’t know them all, they are all the sons, brothers, fathers, sisters, daughters, and mothers of loved ones across the country.
Additionally, we show our great gratitude to all who are currently serving around the world, during one of the most challenging periods in American History.
As Americans, we must remember that freedom is not free. In fact, it is only possible because our fallen heroes have paid the highest price. All Americans are forever in your debt. If were not for the fallen; the standing would not be here today. As we gather here together, we must remember the lives lost, the reason we celebrate, the lives lived, and what we are most grateful for.
It is our duty to repay our debt to these lost souls and honor our obligation to preserve their memory. We must teach our children and our children’s children that nothing comes without a cost. We must continue to recognize their service, respect their devotion to duty, and mirror this by doing whatever it takes to ensure the purpose, for which they fought and died for, to be remembered forever.
Matthew 4.3 reminds us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Today we honor those who have died and thank those who continue to risk their lives each day to protect this great county. May the Lord bless you and keep your family safe.
Thank You and God Bless