The People Who Serve

It bears repeating, if only to remind us to do our duty as citizens, that many have given their lives, physically and emotionally, to create and preserve the freedom and liberty we in the United States enjoy. The freedom of worship, the freedom of expression, the right to vote... all that is encompassed in the Constitution of the United States and the charters of the States therein, exists, not solely because some with lofty ideals put words to paper, but because some lay dying on the soil of our nation, or in some foreign field, having given the fullest measure of themselves to preserve and protect it.

Let the day not be about picnics, fireworks, the beach, the mall, but let it be about solemn remembrance and gracious thankfulness for the sacrifices these men and women made in our defense. Let us honor them, not just today, but every day, by being the best citizens we can be.

They Fall That We May Rise

We who sit in comfort bought

Know little of the true price paid

By all those who fought and fought

And now in the ground are laid

We little think of them now

Save once or twice a year

Not ever conceiving how

They fought through all their fear

We fly our flags and gaily wave

As the living ones do walk by

Thinking of what comrades gave

Before they had to die

Then we drive off to the malls

To get our shopping in

As some gather near the walls

To remember fallen kin

The day will come and go again

As have so many passed

Never knowing exactly when

We can ever see the last

You may not know why the day

Comes again each year

But those who died along the way

Are the reason you are here

They gave hearth and home

To stem an evil tide

Never more shall they roam

From the places they have died

You owe each one a greater debt

One perhaps you can't repay

Though you can start by showing yet

To honor them this day

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To all the men and women, throughout the history of our nation, the United States of America, who so gallantly fought, and tragically died, that we might retain the blessings of freedom and liberty. And, to all those still living, that have fought and do fight now, for their dedication, their service, and their sacrifice in the name of their countrymen.