Memorial Day. The day we commemmorate the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of their country and the cause of Freedom. The day we set aside for pilgrimages to rolling fields of white crosses, adorned with little flags. The day we remind ourselves that Freedom is not free; it is the one thing that often costs everthing.
Go, all who would know the price of Freedom, to the rolling hills. Survey for yourselves the cost it demands. Let your little ones gaze in uncomprehending wonder, your old in rememberance, and reflect within yourselves the blood-price of Freedom.
Weep, all who would remember the cost that was paid. Weep for those lost in the Argonne, at Bastogne, at Tarawa, in Korea, Vietnam, Mogadishu, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Weep for the blood poured out upon the alter of Freedom, so willingly shed for so noble a cause.
Fly, all who would show the world our continued dedication to liberty, the Flag of our forefathers, the Flag that flew over Iowa Jima, the Flag the flew over the Pentagon, the Flag the flies over our capital, the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the symbol of all that is good and great and wonderful in this world. Fly the Flag of Freedom.
Stand, all who would enoble their own hearts. Stand with those who slogged once and still through sand and muck and mud and blood, into the thunder and fury of battle, unswerving, undaunted, to dimly-seen victory. Stand with those long-gone, silent sentinels, ever watchful, waiting to see who next will pick up the guidon of Freedom. Stand and be counted.
I am no hero, but I count myself fortunate to have served with some. I have no claim to personal bravery or courageous action, but I know some who do, and bear the mantle of many who did. I am lifted up by their spirit, and encouraged by their memory. In the early morning hours I will go to the rolling fields and there I will weep. I will fly the flag in rememberance and honor of those gone before, and I will stand, with them, and with you, when next the clarion sounds, and Freedom demands once more its price be paid.
Who then will stand in the gap, for Freedom?
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