Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day 2015


On Memorial Day, Americans place flags on military graves, walk past a wall of black granite in Washington, D.C., and many families think of a face and voice they miss so much. Today, we honor the men and women who have worn the nation's uniform and were last seen on duty. From the battles of Iraq and Afghanistan, to the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, to the trials of World War, to the struggles that made us a nation, today we recall that liberty is always the achievement of courage.

And today we remember all who have died, all who are still missing and all who mourn. And on this day, especially, our nation is grateful to the brave and fallen defenders of freedom. In every generation of Americans we have found courage equal to the tasks of our country. The farms and small towns and city streets of this land have always produced free citizens who assume the discipline and duty of military life. And time after time, they have proven that the moral force of democracy is mightier than the will and cunning of any tyrant.

Americans like these did not fight for glory, but to fulfill a duty. They did not yearn to be heroes, they yearned to see mom and dad again and to hold their sweethearts and to watch their sons and daughters grow. They wanted the daily miracle of freedom in America, yet they gave all that up and gave life itself for the sake of others.

Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain. All Americans and every free nation on earth can trace their liberty to the white markers of places like Arlington National Cemetery. And may God keep us ever grateful.

President George W. Bush, 5/26/03
(The entire speech can be found here.)

16 comments:

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...


Boy that just says it all, doesn't it? Happy Memorial Day to you all!

Fur Everywhere said...

How beautiful. We have a lot to be thankful in America. Please have a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Cats Herd You said...

What a thoughtful piece! Happy Memorial Day!

pilch92 said...

Very nice post and that graphic of Truffles is great. Thanks for visiting us on our blogoversary and for your friendship. I hope to meet you in person someday.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all who gave their lives so we could be free.

Peaches and Paprika said...

Beautiful artwork, beautiful words! Purrrrrs, Carol, Peaches & Paprika

CATachresis said...

Very poignant words!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Thank you for quoting GWB. He is a true patriot and has always had a great sincere appreciation for the Troops and their sacrifices. It is a wonderful speech.
God bless the USA.

Unknown said...

Lovely Post! happy Memorial Day!
Kisses
Nellie

Anonymous said...

Gweat posty. Have a gweat and blest day.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Wonderful, wonderful post...we remember xoxo

Two French Bulldogs said...

Have a happy Memorial Day
Lily & Edward

Cathy Keisha said...

Heh heh! I’m gonna be nice. Always remember. xoxo

The Island Cats said...

What a nice Memorial Day post! We hope you're enjoying the day.

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a wonderful day. Pawkisses :) <3

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...thank you.