For the Sacrifices They Have Made
"We stand as a Nation that is strong and
deserving of praise. Yet we are humbled,
because we remember that the wealth of this
Nation's heritage, the strength of its
ideals, and the extent of its freedom came
with a tremendous price.
These treasures
were purchased with the lives of American
service men and women, a cost borne
prominently by several generations. We are
humbled because so many bright futures,
hopes, and dreams were sacrificed for the
abundance of opportunities we now freely
pursue.
We honor the final sacrifice of our service
men and women by dedicating our own lives to
peace and the defense of freedom. For these
ideals they fought, and for these ideals we
continue to strive.
May we stand with
diligence and with humility on the broad
shoulders of those whose brave deeds and
sacrifice we memorialize today. Let all of
us commit this day, whether in public
ceremony or in quiet reflection over a
single grave, to remember them in fitting
tribute."
From
Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day by the
President of the United States of America -
George W. Bush
