Friday, May 27, 2011

Love, Honor, Devotion to Duty, Sacrifice

This weekend, we pay homage to those who placed themselves on the Altar of Freedom for love of God and Country. Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and respect—for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to a better humanity (and Nation).

On the last Monday of May each year, we observe moments of silence and moments of tribute to acknowledge the sacrifices by these brave few for principles greater than self. In answering their calls to duty across the world... these American men and women stood their ground, held back the dark forces of oppression and destruction, and advanced our founding principles, ideals, beliefs, and values about the right of self-determination. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.

Many lie in final rest in our national cemeteries. Whether at Gettysburg, one of our country’s first national cemeteries, or at Washington Crossing, our most recent dedication, each VA national cemetery is a sacred place of honor befitting the great deeds and sacrifices of the Fallen and their families.

Also, is a moment to thank all living veterans... each and every day they continue to safe keep and maintain our freedoms!

More than 3.7 million Americans—Veterans of every war and conflict, from our Revolution to the Global War on Terror—have been laid to rest in these hallowed shrines. The quiet serenity, pristine nature, and strict adherence to time-honored Service traditions make our cemeteries the healing places where families and friends can remember and honor those who gave, in President Lincoln’s words, “the last full measure of devotion.”

This Memorial Day, a Nation at war prays for peace and the safe return of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, even as it exacts justice from those who trampled our most cherished principles. Now, as then, in addition to our prayers and meditations for peace, we pray for the families of the Fallen. We pray for the safe keep of the living. With these in mind we raise our eyes and arms and call upon the Great Arquitect of the Universe so we continued receiving his blessings, protection, wisdom and love on this great and wonderful country of ours. Godspeed!

"So mote it be" :.

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