Speech: Memorial Day Ceremony

On a visit to any of our military cemeteries, whether here in Alaska, or overlooking the cliffs of Normandy, you can see the graves of Americans. The silent markers pay tribute to men and women who once stood courageously as freedom's shield, bearing the spear of human dignity.

They are valor, and breathtaking here is the sum of their heroism.

While observing Memorial Day 1986 at Arlington National Cemetery, President Ronald Reagan noted, "All of these men were different, but they shared this in common: They loved America very much. There was nothing they wouldn't do for her. And they loved with the sureness of the young."

We are thankful, for soul-stirring is such love of our country.

We give thanks to the One who made such men and women to walk among us, and to fight for us.

Each brave, patriotic American, who died for the blessings we hold so dear, left a legacy, a part of our nation's history. And, each contributed much to their family and community's story.

These warriors created a future many did not live to see, but one we now inhabit.

For the hundreds of thousands of untold life stories, for the remembrance of these lives given, I signed a proclamation for this Memorial Day, which I will summarize:

Ever since the Civil War, our nation has remembered the memory of fallen service members and veterans on the last Monday of May each year. With grateful, yet heavy hearts, we honor the fallen and mourn their loss.

We remember, for priceless are their lives and sacrifices for us.

Alaska remains home to servicemen and women and military families from all branches. This is home to our patriotic veterans.

So on this day, Alaskans gather together to honor their valor. We express our profound and abiding gratitude for these men and women. We keep close in our hearts all who have served and now serve, and forever keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and these United States of America.

Source