Monday, May 31, 2010

In Memoriam

To the fearless and the fallen,

Today is Memorial Day; and it is a day of remembrance, thankfulness, and honor. Today we celebrate the lives of those who carried out their sworn duties to protect even in the face of nigh insurmountable odds. Today we honor all the brave men and women who selflessly sacrificed their lives so that they might liberate the oppressed and strike down the oppressors; to secure the freedom of nations; and to protect their fellow soldiers and citizens.

John 15:13 tells us "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." These men and women stared into the very heart of danger and bravely marched on knowing it might well be their end, but also knowing they fought for a cause greater than any one person. They fought for justice, for peace, and for freedom. I would be proud to have called any of them my friends.

What finer example of Americans could any man find than the ones who stood to defend the ideals this nation was founded on? I dare say no mortal man has ever given a gift as costly or as powerful as what you have given to the people of this world. You've given them peace, freedom, and an enduring hope for a better tomorrow. History and future generations may yet forget your name, soldier, but so help us God may we never forget your valiance and your sacrifice.

So to you, who marched toward the sound of peril with an unwavering gaze and iron resolve; no words can truly express the weight of your sacrifice. To you I say thank you. Great victories often require great sacrifices and I pray we never forget yours, and that we never surrender the freedoms you so courageously died for.

On this Memorial Day we honor the memories of heroes such as you. The greatest failure of America will be if we ever forget the sacrifices of the fallen, or ever question their gift to mankind.

And to those who serve still today, I pray that God's hand will be upon you. Hold fast to the knowledge that you stand for everything that makes America great, and defend her with pride. The world will forever be in your debt, and in the debt of your forebears, many of whom gave their lives to defend the very freedoms that you fight for today.

So carry on, brave warrior, and Godspeed.

1 comment:

  1. Amen and Amen brother; i simply wish that more people would see this way. And if any veterans/enlisted people read this.
    THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

    ReplyDelete