Originally Posted 26 May 2003
Memorial Day
Today is not a day of shopping, of frivolous pursuits commercial or otherwise. It is not a day like any other, for today is the day we remember those who paid Freedom’s ultimate price.
We remember and we salute those who served, and those currently serving, in our Nation’s armed forces. For they serve to protect our freedoms from foreign threat. They walk in the dark places of the Earth, they dive deep, and they orbit overhead ever vigilant, ever ready often far from hearth and home.
This day, we must especially remember those who never made it home, back to family and friends. Freedom demands more than eternal vigilance, it demands sacrifice and for it to grow and thrive does indeed call for it to be nurtured with the life blood of patriots. To those patriots, in uniform and out, who gave of themselves so that others could indeed live, we salute you.
Far they fell
Through cold and heat
Silence and clamorous bell
In the end, all too neat
Gold stars on windows tell
Lest we forget the price that is paid so that you and I can speak freely, and live our lives as we think best, go you this day and remember those who also paid. Thank a family by Gold Star marked, for they gave dearly of all they had.
