While we enjoy our holiday weekend, let’s be sure to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom to do so. As many of us reflect on that sacrifice in general terms, chances are that someone nearby is mourning a specific friend, family member, or fellow soldier. Our U.S presidents help provide perspective:
“They defended our nation, they liberated the oppressed, they served the cause of peace. And all Americans who have known the loss and sadness of war, whether recently or long ago, can know this: The person they love and miss is honored and remembered by the United States of America.” — George W. Bush, Memorial Day Address, 2004
“To preserve the peace, we must never forget the sacrifices that have paved the way to peace.” — Bill Clinton, Memorial Day Address, 2000
“The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden.” — Ronald Reagan, Memorial Day speech, 1982
operationwearehere.com provides guidance, such as:
- Pull the “Happy Memorial Day!” phrase from your vocabulary; it is disrespectful. Would you really say that to a war widow or Gold Star family? As one military spouse says, “It’s kind of like saying Happy “lots of people died” Day.”
- Help your local veterans groups (VFW, American Legion, etc.) to replace worn out grave markers/flags of deceased veterans at your local cemetery. Some civic groups or Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops put flags or flowers on veteran’s graves on the Saturday before Memorial Day.
for more ideas visit http://www.operationwearehere.com/MemorialDay.html#anchor_394
the grow love project 