Good afternoon, everyone.  We come together today to honor those men and women who died in the service of our country -  some many years ago, others all too recently.  Not nameless people who served and died, to be forgotten as years go by— for they were our countrymen, and we are forever connected by the gift they gave. They were devoted to freedom, devoted to their country, and steadfast in the performance of their duty, stepping forward when their country called. 

     Knowing it could cost their lives, still they felt in their hearts the  goal was worth that risk and, in the end gave, as Lincoln said, that last full measure of devotion, far from home and the families they loved.

     The men and women we honor this day we must honor EVERY day, for the gift they gave is priceless. In the cause of freedom and of justice, they declared their commitment and answered their country’s call to service.  In an incredible example of selflessness, of love of country, they stood tall even as they fell, and we must NEVER forget.  They were Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. 

     They were husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, someone’s precious child.  They were, beyond any doubt, our finest, and our debt to them is one we can never fully repay.

     The Kohima Epitaph, found on numerous veterans’ memorials and monuments throughout the world, reads, “When you go home, tell them of us and say, For their tomorrow, we gave our today.” 

     The veterans in our midst have brought home with them that message, and it is they who best know and can personally attest to the depth and measure of sacrifice, and to the singular patriotism and bravery of their fallen comrades.

      Their role in bringing to us the stories of those they served beside must not be taken lightly.  We need to listen to the stories they have to tell and never forget the sobering truth that freedom is not free, and that, in the quest for freedom, it is the United States of America that has shone like a candle in the darkness. 

     The souls of the heroes and heroines of whom they speak are stars that shine brightly, lighting up the heavens from where they look down, to light the way for those who follow in their footsteps and give us hope for a peaceful tomorrow.

     They were the living truth of the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”

     During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt kept a prayer by her bed which read, in part, “Help me to remember that somewhere a man (or woman) died for me today.” Your presence here today is clear and certain evidence of YOUR remembrance.  Let your flags keep flying, EVERY DAY, not just on the 4th of July.  Let your prayers keep flowing, EVERY DAY, for those who served before, for those in service now, and for peace and understanding.  Let that peace begin right here, for it starts in your own community.  Let your words and actions be ones of which you need never be ashamed.   

     By example, teach your children honesty, pride, and respect for their flag and country.  Teach them to place their hands over their hearts when the flag goes by.  Instill in them an appreciation of all it took to secure the freedoms we so highly value, and the responsibility to preserve and protect them.

      Sleep in peace and safety, and thank God for the lives who gave their last breath in the pursuit of that which we hold so dear.  We may not know them all by name, but we know them by their patriotism, their bravery, their dedication, and their valor.  Their spirits are with us all today as we remember them with gratitude and pride.

     God bless those we remember today, God bless ALL our veterans, bless you all for being here today, and God bless the United States of America.