Memorial Day 2002

Remarks by Commander Dale Potts

First, we want to give thanks to Carlos Gonsalvez for donating this flag. He received it from the government in honor of his father’s World War Two Merchant Marine service. Carlos is a highly decorated Army veteran himself and a Life Member of the VFW. He donated the flag to the cemetery to honor all people who served in the military or the Merchant Marine.

You will notice that the flag is at half staff. It is there to honor a very special group of veterans, men and women who served our country and who gave their lives in the military service. It will be raised to full staff at noon today in accordance with Presidential directive. Memorial Day is only event of the year when the flag height is changed during the day and it is done so in honor of those veterans.

Since those first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord in the Revolutionary War, more than one million Americans have died in defense of our liberty and freedom. In peacetime and in war, these Americans answered our nation’s call and defended our American way of life. In honoring them today, we recognize their dedication, courage and sacrifice, and we also celebrate the freedom they gave us.

These were people similar to us. They had the same dreams, hopes and ambitions, but when called upon they put aside their personal interests and answered a higher calling. In dying for our country, they passed on to us a legacy of liberty and freedom - and they also passed on to us a commitment to preserve what they had died for. It’s a commitment that each of us must take part in fulfilling. It’s a commitment to America.

For over 200 years we have taken part in the Government laid down in the Constitution, and we have enjoyed our freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. In doing so, we have lived the dreams of the founders of our country-those Americans who defied centuries of tyranny with their Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident - that all men are created equal - with certain unalienable rights - of which are life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Together, these documents are the roots of America, and in them one finds the character of America. A character of determination to be, and to remain, free. Such was the character of the people we honor today-men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. And when we, the living, fulfill our commitments as citizens of this country, we make America a living memorial to their dedication, courage and sacrifice.

Such was the character of the people we honor today. We join together to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. And when we, the living, fulfill our commitments as citizens of this country, we make America a living memorial to their dedication, courage and sacrifice.

Many of us have family members, friends or relatives who are among those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Think about how different your lives would be without the courage of so many patriots who have died so the rest of us can live free. Without them, American Democracy would be a footnote in history.

Ponder those thoughts during the final portions of today’s ceremony. First, please join with Al Turner in the Pledge of Allegiance after which Bill Gleason will play “Taps” to conclude today’s ceremony.

Hand Salute, One, (Al lead Pledge of Allegiance)

Two

Taps

Everyone disperse