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 to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

-John F. Kennedy

And paid that price we have. To date, over 1.3 million men and women have been killed in service of the United States from 1775 to present. Another 1.4 million have been wounded and yet the bell has not rung the final toll.

In memory of the maimed and fallen, we set aside the final Monday of May to remember their service and sacrifice. Let not this day be somber. I know nary a single soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who would want us dour at the hour of their honor.

Bar-b-que, drink, and be merry. Find your celebration of their life. Let it be a festival of freedom and devotion the treasured few have given their last full measure.

At noon, the waving star-laden banners rise up to honor the living. May we honor the dead and fight in their stead for liberty and justice for all.

 We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.

-Francis A. Walker

Happy Memorial Day!

& Semper Fi!