From: don gale (sgrmaker@yahoo.com)
Date: Fri Apr 23 2004 - 11:39:40 PDT
>From a graduating senior, Class of 2002, Mt. Abraham
Union High School, Bristol, Vermont. A Memorial Day
Tribute......
by Emily Halnon
When I woke up this morning, I read the newspaper at
my breakfast table and scanned over my notes for this
speech one final time to prepare for its delivery
today. These are just simple acts that we may look at
as mundane tasks... likely to happen on a near daily
basis. But, these two acts are actually examples of a
great gift that unites us all; our personal freedoms.
Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a nation a tragic
event in order to really appreciate the personal
freedoms that are bestowed upon us. Last September
(11, 2001), I believe the nation went to sleep as a
nation who took our simple rights for granted. Our
freedom to speak, our right to privacy, our privilege
to a free press. But, we woke up faced with a
tremendous tragedy and it took this tragedy to help us
realize how blessed we truly are. And so as September
11th begins to fade from headlining our newspapers as
a current event and starts to slip into a chapter in
our history books, I encourage you not to let your
patriotism fade with it.
One of my most profound memories from last fall is the
evening in which I watched our entire Congress sing
God Bless America on the Capitol Steps. What was most
touching about this incredible moment was the
foreshadowing of what unity the nation would soon
display. The bipartisan system was forgotten as
democrats and republicans alike embraced in a
declaration of love for our country. We need to
continue to live by their example, as appreciative
Americans. Maintain the sense of pride in our country
that we have all felt since the days of September
11th. Follow the model set for us by our political
leaders. Openly profess your love and your undying
gratitude for our country and for our veterans...the
true heroes of America.
Make every day a Memorial Day, remember why you are
here and why you are able to revel in freedom. Never
forget the men and women who made selfless sacrifices
and put duty first, all in the name of America.
William Harvard remarked that the "greatest glory of a
free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their
children."Keep this message in your mind as you go
about your daily activities; continue to glorify the
memories of the generations who transmitted freedom to
their children. I feel blessed to be able to boast of
many generations in my own family who have transmitted
their freedom to me.
Larry Eisenberg once said that "free is not the same
thing as free and easy". Recognize that your freedom
is not an easy fight but, a privilege that was
bestowed upon each one of us. Always be grateful to
the veterans who have served and the citizens who are
serving now in our country's military.The ones who
realize that your freedom may not be easy but that
your independence and liberty are worth being
salvaged. And so on this Memorial Day and every day
that follows it, I ask you to think about the words of
Woodrow Wilson;
"Memorial Day is a day when we are to recall the
things which we should do every day of our lives.
There are no days of special patriotism." So take this
day and carry its meaning with you throughout the
year. Remember how lucky we are and be grateful to the
veterans who have ensured that we will continue to be
this fortunate.
And so every time you lift up a newspaper and every
time you speak your mind, take a moment and appreciate
your right to do this. Think about the veterans and
think about our country's flag and honor them every
day through your actions.
<DIV>When you see our nations symbol, the red, white,
and blue soaring high, remember what it stands for.
George Washington described our flag as taking the
stars from heaven, the blue for loyalty, the red from
our mother country, separating it by white stripes,
thus showing that we have separated from her, and the
white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing
our liberty. And so, after todays parades and picnics,
bonfires and trips to the cemetery have all lapsed,
continue to remember the messages of Memorial Day and
live the next year and every year after, not as a
holiday American but, as a daily American.
I heard this on Memorial Day and haven't stopped
thinking about it since. Here was a graduating senior,
a student who really appreciated what freedom means. I
have participated in many Memorial Day
parades, Veterans Day, and 4th of July events being a
member of a local fire department, rescue squad, Scout
Master with the Boy Scouts of America, and as a young
boy scout many years ago. I have heard many speeches
given by political leaders, Veterans, town leaders,
etc.,by far this is the one that hit home with me.
Memorial day is drawing very near, let us never forget
the sacrifices that have been made to protect our
freedoms. Thank You Veterans!
__________________________________
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