I truly hope that amidst the barbecues and merriment, that everyone realize the true meaning of the day and take a moment to remember all of those who died to give us the opportunity to have such wonderful festivities with our families, for none of it would be possible without their ultimate sacrifice. As we thank and give tribute to the brave men and women who have died for our freedom here on Earth, let us also remember to thank Jesus. He was the first to sacrifice Himself for our freedom, our eternal freedom.
There is a poem I want to share that means a great deal to me, as a military spouse. I thought it fitting to share it with you today:
I am the wife of an American soldier.
I am a supporter of the United States Army-
an encouragement for the protectors of the greatest nation on earth.
Because I am proud of my husband and the uniform that he wears,
I will always act in ways creditable to him, the military service
and the nation he is sworn to guard.
I am proud of my husband. I will do all that I can to protect
and provide for my family in his absence. I will be loyal to my
husband and to the vows that we made as we entered the
covenant of marriage.
I will do my full part to carry on the values
and goals we have set apart for our family
and I will continue to instruct our children in the same manner.
As a soldier's wife, I realize that I play a vital role
in my husband's decision to become a member of a time-honored
profession-
that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom
for which my country stands.
No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything
for pleasure, profit, or personal safety
which will disgrace my husband, his uniform or our country.
I will use every means I have to encourage my husband to be
the best soldier that he can be.
I am proud of my husband, my country, and its flag.
I will fly the flag and will always remember the sacrifices
made by my husband and by generations of men and women
that have served our beloved country.
I will try to make my husband proud of the
manner in which I accept his decision to defend my freedom and
the freedom of all American citizens-
for I am the wife of an American soldier.
May you all have a wonderful Memorial Day.
God bless you and God bless America!
