On this Memorial Day, we must not forget the heavy price that the USA has paid, and continues to pay, for the liberty we all enjoy. Irrespective of personal politics, what unites us is an abiding faith in freedom. This is captured by the following reflections about this important day from Americans with very different points of view:
• 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
• Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. – Ronald Reagan
• Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. - Senator Barry Goldwater
• The cost of liberty is less than the cost of repression. – W.E.B. Dubois
Perhaps some of the most beautiful words capturing the sentiments applicable to Memorial Day are the following from Lee Greenwood:
"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA."
As an immigrant from Cuba (where people are not free) that was very proud to wear the uniform of this nation for 11 years as an officer in the Army Reserve, I can attest that our liberty must be defended at any price.
Let's remember and honor our service men and women on this date.
May God continue to bless America!