Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further Notice
We meet here today in the solemnity of Memorial Day surrounded by friends and family in familiar places. We are here to remember, to memorialize and to celebrate all those who have served our country and who have passed. Those that have given of themselves for the just cause of freedom, for the belief in democracy and for a greater good. Such simple words but behind each of them are the millions of men and women who have served our country in the armed forces and military.
America began with a revolution and struggled to find its independence and its voice. Since that moment, that spark, we have defended these sacred ideas that have formed our lives and defined our freedom as individuals and a country. That defense has been at home and abroad and with great sacrifice of human life. The thread of freedom and a democratic government remains intact as generations have served and fought to protect these rights, this great idea we call the United States. It remains a gift hard won.
Today is a moment to pause and to reflect on what this really means. To be a soldier and to be prepared to serve our country in times of war or peace, to make a commitment and to shoulder the responsibilities, to be loyal and to defend. These too are words that don’t speak of the reality of close quarters, jungles, deserts, frozen wasteland, exhaustive exercises, detailed orders and an intense amount of learning valuable and life saving information. Nor do they tell us of homesickness, sleepless nights, loss, pain, grief, mental illness or the ability to cope.
So we must walk in those boots for a moment to understand the depth of sacrifice. We must remember that every badge or medal has a meaning that honors an act of bravery or courage. These are our grandparents, our parents, our sons and daughters. This is a select group of men and women who have defined American History through their unwavering allegiance to our country and its ideals. We are proud of your service and can only know a glimmer of its true meaning and the enormity of what it entails. We thank you from our hearts and we are grateful for showing us what is important.
