AMERICAN LEGION POST 148 & VFW POST 2223 (Savanna, IL) MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH - 2008
Thank you very much for that nice introduction. I want to give a
heartfelt thanks to the
VFW Post 2223 and the American Legion Post 148
for organizing this Memorial Day service. I am truly honored to have
been asked to speak to you on this Memorial Day on behalf of all of our
comrades that have ever worn the uniform of the United States Armed
Forces; and to honor those who have given the supreme sacrifice to our
nation.
I want to thank all of you that have come to this special place today to
help us remember our fallen comrades that lay here before us; and in
cemeteries across this nation and around the world. Let us not forget
our brothers and sisters that never returned as missing in action or
prisoners of war. Let us remember all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines,
Air Force and Coast Guard as we pay our respects and honor them today.
I have a special friend who is laid to rest in this section of the
cemetery. This young soldier was the best man at my wedding 44 years ago
while I was stationed at the Savanna Army Depot. My friend, Sergeant
Joseph Redmond was killed in action while serving in Vietnam and I think
of him every time that I visit this place. My heart goes out to those of
you that have lost a family member; a loved one; or a good friend like
Joey was to me. I know the pride we have of our comrades that have gone
before us; those that stepped forward to defend and honor our country
and secure the freedom that we all enjoy. Let us never forget these
people as today is their day!
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance
for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories
as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying
claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. It is not important who
was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was
established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about
reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave
their all.
For those that have served, and survivors of those lost, there is no
need to explain Memorial Day. To our brothers and sisters that fought in
World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around
the world, every day is Memorial Day. We are reminded every time we read
the paper, or watch television or listen to the news that our comrades
are passing away and going on to their final resting place in our
hearts. Today people all around our great country are taking time to
remember our fallen, they will be touched by the memories that we share;
and it will bring out very heavy emotions and feelings in all.
Finding words to adequately express the feelings and the pride I have
for all of the veterans that have gone before us and those that are
fading away every day is impossible. It’s pride, sorrow, admiration,
gratitude, respect, appreciation, humility, and so many other feelings.
As a member of the fine Honor Guard that you see before you here;
comprised of members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American
Legion; I have to say that I am very proud to be a part of this group.
We had close to twenty of our comrades that passed away since Memorial
Day last year. And as the name “Honor Guard” implies, it has been an
HONOR to provide them all with a proper military service at their
funerals. They are the HEROES that we have had the opportunity to pay
our personal and final respects to.
There are many ways to honor our fallen comrades on Memorial Day.
Ceremonies such as this, parades, a visit to the grave of a loved one,
or perhaps, just a time of silence to reflect on our heroes who have
gone before us. No matter what you choose to do, it is important to
remember that over a million of our comrades have lost their lives
defending our freedom. I just hope that every American will take time to
reflect on the supreme sacrifice that so many fine young men and women
have made for us. I ask that you turn your heads and look around this
cemetery before leaving today. Take notice of all of the American flags
that you see on the graves of the veterans buried here. Not just those
in the Veterans section but the entire cemetery. They all made
sacrifices for us and our country and we should not forget them, ever.
As we remember these brave warriors and their comrades in arms on this
Memorial Day, we must look to the future as well as the past. In today's
world, freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty. America still relies on her
sons and daughters to defend her liberty. The cost of independence
remains high, but we are willing to pay it. We do not pay it gladly, but
we pay it with deep reverence and thanks to those who have sacrificed
their lives for America. We know that in the years to come, more brave
souls will sacrifice their lives for America. We include them in our
thoughts and prayers today.
In closing I want to thank everyone for attending, and please remember
our veterans. If you see a veteran on the street, tell him or her thank
you for what they’ve done. Do this before it’s too late and we are
reading their names from a list at a Memorial Day ceremony. God Bless
our Veterans and God Bless America!