In Memoriam

The end of May is coming . . . When the nation celebrates Memorial Day. Schools and offices are closed . . . It's the summer's first holiday. Do we remember why we celebrate today . . . Or what the "Stars and Stripes" mean? Do we ever remind our children . . . Of where our flag has been. From Bunker Hill to Yorktown . . . And Tripoli to New Orleans. From the Halls of Montezuma . . . It has waved up in the breeze. From Chateau Thierry to the Argonne . . . Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima too. From the Cassarein Pass to Messina . . . From Anzio, Omaha Beach, Saint-Lo, and Bastogne she flew. From Pusan to Inchon . . . From Hue, Tan Son Nhut, and places with stranger names. From the Mideast Gulf to Bagdad . . . And then back home, again. Are these just names in our history books? I say, "Not at All!" They are the reminders of the resting places . . . For those who answered the call. For Men carried the flag of our country . . . Through shot and shell and murderous fire. Some of them have never returned . . . To their homes and heart's desire. Look at the field at Arlington . . . The Punch Bowl in Hawaii or the land in southern France. Where white crosses grow in the countryside . . . For those who did not get another chance. And what of those who did come home . . . Do we ever really think of them? They too, gave a full measure of devotion . . . They too, had our liberty to defend. So on this day when we grill our burgers . . . Or are giving the ballgame a view. Take a moment to say a prayer of thanksgiving . . . For those whose sacrifice made it possible for you. THANKS TO ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY . . . GOD BLESS AMERICA!!