I have few words to offer on this day. Every year we celebrate, and every year we offer the same platitudes about our honored dead. Yet the list of those grows every year as more of our serving military lose their lives in turbulent, hostile places across the globe. Many have died over the past year. More than likely others will follow as these brave men and women faithfully carry out their critical missions: their stalwart presence helps to assure that we can continue to live in a world governed by respect for the rule of law. That respect is waning; nevertheless, United States of America remains the indispensable nation for preserving and defending that world order–the legacy bequeathed to us by the generation that defeated fascism in World War Two. We must not fail to preserve and defend that legacy, and that duty begins right here at home.

I have little to add, so I will close with the message I sent in my Memorial Day ecard to my mailing list.

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To Family, Friends, and Veterans of every era,

Remember to take time out of your weekend of holiday activities, picnics, barbecues, and beach time to reflect on why, in a world filled today with war and devastation, we have the freedom to enjoy such leisure, unhindered and unsuppressed. We owe a debt of gratitude to those men and women, who in every major challenge to our nation, paid the ultimate price for us. Our Republic and its freedoms stand because of their willing sacrifice. Let’s pause, and remember them today.

Have a wonderful holiday this weekend,

Richard and Adele

In Memoriam: George A. Marrash, Pvt. US Army, 23d Inf. Reg., 2d Inf Div., Died of Wounds, France, 1944.