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We stand together as one, as Americans. We stand together as a people, bound together by our Constitution, and give thanks to those who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address, “gave the last full measure of devotion” to our great nation.
Memorial Day is unique insofar as all Americans have a stake in it. In an almost mystical way, all Americans are connected to it. We each have experienced that loss directly in our own families, among our friends and in our communities. We all share in the sadness of losing brave men and women in the defense of our nation.
We all take great pride in knowing that we stand on the shoulders of giants. We are all humbled when we see a fellow American in uniform, knowing they are prepared to give their lives in our defense. We all have a connection.
Many Americans celebrate Memorial Day through leisure. Barbeques, picnics, vacations and the like are all commonplace. I know the brothers I have lost in service to our country wouldn’t want it any other way. They would want us to celebrate our freedoms and give thanks for our liberty. Being American truly is a gift. However, I would ask each of you to set aside some time for quite reflection. Even if it’s just a couple of minutes.
Close your eyes and say a prayer or give a thought of gratitude for our beloved dead. Give thanks that you are an American and, as such, can rest easy knowing there are men and women that stand ready to give their very lives in your defense. Commit that you will never forget those who have.
Just take that moment. To the lost…
Brandon Temple
Veterans Affairs Commission, Chair
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