posted May 30, 2005 06:17 PM              

President Commemorates Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

11:27 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, thank you. Secretary Nicholson, General Myers, members of Congress, members of the United States military, veterans, honored guests, fellow Americans, especially those loved ones of the fallen: Every year on this day, we pause to remember Americans fallen by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. I'm honored to do that this morning on behalf of the American people. The names of the men buried there are known only to God, but their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation.

The soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines we remember today answered the call of service in their nation's hour of need. They stood to fight for America's highest ideals. And when the sun came up this morning the flag flew at half-staff in solemn gratitude and in deep respect.

At our National Cemetery, we receive the fallen in sorrow, and we take them to an honored place to rest. Looking across this field, we see the scale of heroism and sacrifice. All who are buried here understood their duty. All stood to protect America. And all carried with them memories of a family that they hoped to keep safe by their sacrifice.

At a distance, their headstones look alike. Yet every son or daughter, mom or dad who visits will always look first at one. General Eisenhower put it well in 1944, when he wrote his wife, Mamie, about "the homes that must sacrifice their best." The families who come here have sacrificed someone precious and irreplaceable in their lives -- and our nation will always honor them.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050530.html

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http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/heroes/index.html

posted May 30, 2005 10:01 PM              

in flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses row on row
that mark our place, and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
scarce heard amid the guns below

posted May 31, 2005 12:05 AM            

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae & tink, thank you!