Today, May 29th, a Monday, the day of the week we all scoff at on Sunday, coming off the high of the weekend, remembering the load of work awaiting us at the office or school and dreading it; but today, that isn’t the case. This Monday is a holiday, and millions nationwide cry out in relief at the thought of not having to go to work or school. Today is a second Sunday spent with family and friends around the table, exchanging laughs and love in the company of one another, but to that action, we recognize who made it possible today. We owe the ability to speak, love, cherish, and smile to the men and women who have sacrificed to keep our blessings alive. Millions that have fallen in service of the cause of which no man can live without, freedom, those that have fallen on the sword making innumerable sacrifices to keep the prospect of liberty alive. Those who have given themselves up in defense of a cause greater than any single man or generation, a cause that was endowed and enshrined in our founding, maintained through sacrifice, are remembered today. We honor them, hold their memory close, and reflect upon the solemn duty we have far removed from the celebrations and parades, the barbecues and get-togethers; every American has that duty. The duty that millions suffered, fought, and died for, the responsibility that does not end with them but extends to all of us to see it through without reservation. We owe it to them, to those millions who have perished and their families, that their sacrifice is not in vain. That the sacred sun of liberty never set on this land and give to the forces of darkness gain domination of this land and all others, that it burns with the same intensity that has accompanied us through the ages. To them, those patriots who have allowed us to bask in the eternal sun of liberty and take part in its many blessings, we dedicate our duty.
Today, we consecrate our sacred responsibility to the altar of freedom and to a more perfect Union. Together, on this Memorial Day, we march hand in hand closer to that shining city on a hill promised by those pilgrims would be created on this land; we lay down the weapons we use to rip each other apart and unite around sacrifice and duty. Today, more than any label we are beholden to, we are Americans; the political passions melt away to reveal the link that unites all of us, freedom. Freedom achieved by the blood of patriots bought at a steep price; let us not make it in vain. Let us not tear each other apart because of seemingly unrepairable differences, but remember, as President Lincoln said, “We are not enemies, we are friends.” Let us not destroy what millions have fought for in every crevice of the earth, but let us preserve the paradise of freedom heavenly ordained upon this land. We must never forget them and their sacrifice, and today we thank and strongly resolve that the sun never set on this country. Thank you, and God bless the United States
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