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Memorial Day


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#1 zendiver

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Posted 29 May 2004 - 08:11 AM

Posted ImageMemorial DayPosted Image
Traditional: May 30
Observed: last Monday of May

Memorial Day is a time to take stock of the present, reflect on the past, and renew our commitment to the future of America.

Today, as in the past, there are problems that must be solved and challenges that must be met. We can tackle them with our full strength and creativity only because we are free to work them out in our own way. We owe this freedom of choice and action to those men and women in uniform who have served this nation and its interests in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free.

I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.

This Memorial Day, we honor those brave Americans who died in the service of their country. I think an ancient scholar put it well when he wrote: ``Let us now praise famous men . . . All these were honored in their generation, and were the glory of their times. Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.'' As a tribute to their sacrifice, let us renew our resolve to remain strong enough to deter aggression, wise enough to preserve and protect our freedom, and thoughtful enough to promote lasting peace throughout the world.

Every Memorial Day, Americans remember the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans who gave their lives for our country. On this important day, communities across our Nation stop to remember and to honor the great sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

Since its beginnings, our country has faced many threats that have tested its courage. From war-torn battlefields and jungle skirmishes to conflicts at sea and air attacks, generations of brave men and women have fought and died to defeat tyranny and protect our democracy. Their sacrifices have made this Nation strong and our world a better place.

Upwards of 48 million Americans have served the cause of freedom and more than a million have died to preserve our liberty. We also remember the more than 140,000 who were taken prisoner-of-war and the many others who were never accounted for. These memories remind us that the cost of war and the price of peace are great.

The tradition of Memorial Day reinforces our Nation's resolve to never forget those who gave their last full measure for America. As we engage in the war against terrorism, we also pray for peace. When America emerged from the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln called on all Americans to "cherish a just and lasting peace." In these extraordinary times, our Nation has once again been challenged, and Lincoln's words remain our guiding prayer.

We continue to rely on our brave and steadfast men and women in uniform to defend our freedom. United as a people, we pray for peace throughout the world. We also pray for the safety of our troops. This new generation follows an unbroken line of good, courageous, and unfaltering heroes who have never let our country down.

As we commemorate this noble American holiday, we honor those who fell in defense of freedom. We honor them in our memory through solemn observances, with the love of a grateful Nation.

In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated the minute beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance.

Please, take some time out of your day to pray and thank those courageous soldiers that gave their lifes so that we can have the freedom that we have today. It's a small request that I ask from each of you considering what has been given to us.

:usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag:
[color=blue]Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body;
But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--"WOW--What a ride!"

#2 triggerfish

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Posted 29 May 2004 - 09:59 AM

well said, dear zen. it brought tears to my eyes.

all of us here have some connection to those who protect us...either the military members of the board, family/friends....we are all touched by them.

a heartfelt thank-you for giving up some of YOUR personal freedoms so that we can sit in our homes safe form harm.

god bless you all.

#3 nextariel

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Posted 29 May 2004 - 06:00 PM

Thanks for reminding us of why we have an extra day off this weekend. Seeing Normandy really made an impression on me. It's hard to describe how you feel when you see so many white crosses.
Thanks to all who have served, are serving, and will serve to keep our freedom.
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. --Elsa Maxwell, September 28, 1958

#4 Marvel

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Posted 29 May 2004 - 08:39 PM

Thanks ZD. We are truly blessed to live in this great country with it's liberties protected so arduously by our Armed Services. My prayers are always with them.
Marvel

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." C. S. Lewis



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#5 scubahoney

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Posted 30 May 2004 - 08:19 AM

No words can describe the feeling of this day...I'll I can do is fly my flag high and proud
:welcome:
The greatest resource of the ocean is not material but the boundless spring of inspiration and well-being we gain from her.
~Jacques Cousteau

#6 sunlover

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Posted 30 May 2004 - 08:12 PM

Well said ZD. Let us not forget. Tom




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