we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow
"It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." --abraham lincoln
nearly 141 years later, every syllable of that superlatively skillful single sentence speaks to us as powerfully as it did those present when president abraham lincoln dedicated the national cemetary at the gettysburg battlefield.
an official day of remembrance was instituted five years later. on decoration day--as it was originally designated--survivors used flowers to decorate graves of those who died in the civil war. in 1966, the name was changed to memorial day but the concept remained the same: honoring and remembering those who lost their lives in service to america.
one memorial day each year falls 364 days short of what is owed. thats why its so crucial we dont for a moment forget our other duty to those who sacrificed their futures for us. its not enough merely to hold parades and decorate their graves. we must actively support our government when it conforms to the principles expressed in our constitution and work tirelessly, selflessly to bring it back on course when it strays...be vigilant always against any erosion of the liberty our heroes died to defend...be informed and help inform our fellow citizens...vote and communicate opinions to congressional representatives in both state and federal government...never forget our nation was born of revolution affirming the inherent rights of all peoples and that when those rights are denied to one, the rights of all are diminished..