George Orwell once said, “we sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” With all due respect to George Orwell, rough men and rough women stand ready in the night! Memorial Day observances are an important tradtion, that any American should be proud to participate in. However, I ask each and every one of you to keep our fallen men and women and those who continue to serve for us, both at home and abroad, in your thoughts and prayers every day, not just today.
Nearly nine years ago, our nation was victim to one of the most horrific terrorist attacks ever. On this Memorial Day, fresh in our minds are the 118 Massachusetts service members who, since September 11, 2001, have died in service to their country.
We come together this weekend to celebrate those lives lost, but we gather at various ceremonies to honor all of those who have paid the ultimate price since our nation’s birth more than two centuries ago.
Our country is facing tough times right now…there is no doubt that better days lie ahead.
But the next time you’re arguing with a family member about the hot political topic of the day or when you’re voicing your opinion to a neighbor or a colleague, remember that our men and women who wear the uniform fought and continue to fight for your right to say how you feel, to articulate your views without fear of persecution and to practice the religion that you hold so near to your heart.
Remember this tonight as you watch your evening news program that without the most powerful, dedicated and bravest military in the world, the freedoms that we love and cherish may just be a dream, not a realitly.
Let us never forget the sacrificies made by so many…for without them…we may never have known what it means to be free.
God bless you, God bless our service men and women and God bless the United States of America.
