In the United States, today is Memorial Day. This day of remembrance began in 1868, and was initially called Decoration Day. It was established as a day to decorate the graves of those who were killed in the Civil War. After World War I, the observance was expanded to include those who fell in all American wars. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, and placed on the last Monday in May.
We all need to be reminded of the sacrifice that many have given to ensure our freedom. In honor of Memorial Day, here are a couple of statements made by past Presidents of the United States.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” — John F. Kennedy
“They do not need our praise. They do not need that our admiration should sustain them. There is no immortality that is safer than theirs. We come not for their sakes but for our own, in order that we may drink at the same springs of inspiration from which they themselves drank.” — Woodrow Wilson
“It was the transcendent fortitude and steadfastness of these men who in adversity and in suffering through the darkest hour of our history held faithful to an ideal. Here men endured that a nation might live.” — Herbert Hoover
“I don’t have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.” — Ronald Reagan
“Looking across this field, we see the scale of heroism and sacrifice. All who are buried here understood their duty. All stood to protect America. And all carried with them memories of a family that they hoped to keep safe by their sacrifice.” — George W. Bush
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones defending the American Way.
If you are interested n finding out more about Memorial Day, here are a few resources: