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Thoughts on Memorial Day and Celebrating our Freedom
By Christy L. Riley 

We all celebrate Memorial Day in many ways:  for some it is reflection upon the past, others a time to remember and commemorate our veterans current and past from various branches of services: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and National Guard; and others view it as a time to catch up with friends and family for an outdoor cookout. Regardless of how you celebrate Memorial Day, here are some thoughts on how you can remember and celebrate our freedom this Memorial Day and 365 days a year. 

As an American, I remember those who have fallen in combat as heroes and sheroes because of the ultimate sacrifice they gave with their lives. Tomorrow, today, and yesterday I will thank, be grateful, and reflect upon the very blessing we have called “freedom”; something I take for granted so very often. 

As Abraham Lincoln once said in his famous Gettysburg Address: 

“We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” 

Joseph R. Lenhart, Past State Commander of the Disabled Veterans,  in his keynote speech at this year’s Memorial Day Service said: 

“We gather here today, to remember those who are too often out of sight and out of mind; because of brave selfless acts that of those brave few. Many people allow Memorial Day to go by without pausing to think how they owe their very existence to the service men/women. 

We need to remember those individuals … whose lives were lost in the heart of combat. Many of their memories shall be remembered and their sacrifices honored. All the POWs and MIAs must be in our thoughts this Memorial Day and every day until they are all return to us safe and sound. 

Our freedom is a highly valued commodity. May we never forget what a gift it is that we have men and women willing to protect our freedom.” 

We celebrate Memorial Day in many different ways and remember those whose service for our country made a permanent impact upon history and the present 2012 we live in. May we always remember our past, least we then repeat it and forget those whose sacrifices, dedication, commitment, passion, patriotism, and courage helped to make America who she is today. Oh may freedom ring from my heart to yours. 

“Where would we be if we didn’t have our veterans who defended our country, …. It would be a different world,” an 88 year old WWII Veteran said.





 
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