Memorial Day 2005

On this Memorial Day 2005, I'd just like to take a moment and remember all of the people who have served our great country in the various wars throughout the years who have paid the ultimate price for freedom...for our freedom...And also to give you these words to reflect upon...

We dare not forget today that we are heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage ---and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

This much we pledge --- and more.

~John F. Kennedy, from his inaugural address on January 20, 1961