From the Mayor’s Office – We All Remember

From the Mayor’s Office – May 29, 2023

We All Remember

Today we gather for a purpose. It is day of remembrance, a moment when we put aside our busy lives and personal pursuits to reflect on the men and women who have served our Country and who we have lost. Today we focus on their lives, their service and sacrifice. It is with solemnity and respect and a clear understanding that we stand here today, we exist as a land of freedom and opportunity on their shoulders, on their watch and because of their dedication to defend our democracy.

There is a heroic aspect to service as it is a sacrifice for a greater good, a larger goal. Every man and woman who has served whether in times of war or peace has left their imprint on the continued realization of our nation’s principles-  to give a life defending these ideals is the greatest individual sacrifice. We are here to remind ourselves of the magnitude and power of these great gifts.

This year we lost Robert A. Fletcher. Bob was a corporal in the United States Army and served with the German Occupational Forces during the Korean War. We know him as a celebrated artist and illustrator. His book, Remembrance: A Tribute to American Veterans is a historic guide on how we have memorialized and paid honor to our fallen soldiers. The breadth and beauty of this book is not only a tribute but gives the reader a sense of the depth and emotion that has touched every generation of America. Every War has different circumstances and duration, but the common ground is the dedication and service as well as the profound meaning behind each loss. It is with gratitude that we thank Bob for this treasure of images and words that allow us to understand the true meaning of remembrance.

In the book are many quotes and poems and I would like to share a few stanzas of a poem by Rufus Collinson called “Memorial Day” that describes loss from the Vietnam War.

It was green as this. The air as soft, as sweet. My daughter and I followed along the path of the black Marble wall swelling in height and arc with the deaths of soldiers like you. When I found you there, your name, one among so many, I reached up to touch each engraved letter, like a blind person understanding for the first time the life held in a word…

I thought of you the night I found you in the kitchen tear-stained and alone but smiling still for me. “ I got my notice” you said, “I think I’m ready to go. I’ve got to think of it as giving. I just don’t know what the gift is.”

I guess I know now. The gift to me, to us, to the whole country was you, was all that is young and vibrant and funny and singular and loving and brave,

Today in this peace, I remember you. We all remember.