Memorial Day is a time to remember the fallen heroes throughout our nation’s history “who gave the last full measure of devotion” to their country.
Mere words cannot capture the enormity of their sacrifice or the anguish of loved ones they left behind. Yet, the words of that “great communicator,” Ronald Reagan, come pretty close.
I invite you to view President Ronald Reagan’s moving tribute to our fallen heroes as well as a second video dramatically depicting the enduring loss of those left behind. Click here.
Also, on this Memorial Day weekend, remember and pray for our troops now deployed in harm’s way. Pray for their families and loved ones as they endure the hardship and uncertainty of deployment.
Always remember:
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”
I close this Memorial Day message with a favorite poem by Marine Chaplain Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, which pays tribute to our courageous soldiers.
It is the Soldier
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
God Bless America!
Richard Thompson
President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center
P.S. For information on the history of Memorial Day in the United States click here.