Memorial Day is almost upon us and as we are all excited to take a little time off from work to enjoy the holiday weekend with our families this weekend I just wanted to take a moment pay tribute to all those men and women who should be honored for the selfless sacrifices they’ve made so that each of us in America may experience the blessings of freedom.
I love the words spoken by President Ronald Reagan on May 31, 1982 at a Memorial Day Ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetary:
“I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.
Yet, we must try to honor them—not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.
Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we—in a less final, less heroic way—be willing to give of ourselves.
… As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.”
I love the words valor and honor because they are such powerful words that evoke emotions of respect. And respect is exactly what those who sacrificed deserve. Both those who have passed away and those who are still living and still sacrificing so our American Flag can continue to stand for Freedom. May we live our own lives worthy of their sacrifice, may God bless each of you, and may God bless the USA.
“God Bless The USA” (by Lee Greenwood)
If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away
And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and say that
I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
I do love this land and I love those who give so much to protect and defend it. Thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice.
I won’t be blogging Sunday night because of the holiday but I will post again Monday night for Tuesday morning. Have a Happy Memorial Day everyone!
~Amy Rees Anderson
2 Comments
A) I loved Ronald Regan because of his faith and his heart. Because of them he was a great president but had he never been the leader of our nation he still would have been a great man.
B) I love that song.
Both the speech and the lyrics bring me to tears. I have friends who lost sons to war. I pray my grandson who is a Marine never has to suffer at the hands of an enemy of my beloved country.
Thanks Amy,
Your post was a great way to begin this Memorial Day! You have the ability to remind many, and by doing so you are a Patriot! God Bless you and the USA!