Robert O'Neill: We owe our war dead the highest respect & honor

To The Daily Sun,

Because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Grigg's-Wyatt Post of the American Legion in Meredith won't be holding our annual commemoration on Memorial Day. Mr. Elliot Finn WWII and Korean War Veteran has for many years honored us with his thoughts of the day. He has sent me his prepared remarks and I ask that The Sun print them for all to ponder:

"We gather today to remember and honor those men and women who have given their lives that we might live in peace in a free United States of America. But it is impossible for us to do anything, or say anything, that can add to the honor that they have earned for themselves. Rather, it is our responsibility to remember them, and their brave deeds and to give grateful thanks that when our nation called out to them, they answered.

In 1776, America’s Founding Fathers declared that it was the intent of this new nation to be independent and free: "We hold these truths to be self­ evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with …rights… (of) Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…" And, to this day, whether out of commitment to that Declaration or to their patriotic sense of duty, Americans have defended those rights to preserve this nation for all that call it home.

Memorial Day is an annual holiday that honors all Americans who perished in all wars in the defense of our country's freedoms. Originally called Decoration Day, it is traditionally marked by parades, speeches, and the decorating of graves with flowers and flags. It was first observed on May 5, 1868, for the purpose of decorating the graves of American Civil War dead. While it was originally set aside to honor soldiers of that war, today we know it as a day to remember all who have fought for and defended our right to freedom.

But those Americans are never forgotten, because you are here today. You have made time to remember those brave men and women. The danger in not remembering their sacrifices is that we may forget that the price of freedom is never cheap, that is the reality of military service. We can ensure that the sacrifices made by our nation’s bravest never go unappreciated and that their memories will forever remain in our hearts. We are here today to thank those who are not.

In each instance when America's liberty has been in danger, Americans have picked up their weapons and begun the awesome task of fighting to push back the threat to our freedoms made by others throughout the world. So we gather this Memorial day to honor and to remember those who fought, for those who gave their lives and for those who now willingly stand ready to do the same, without question, when the defense of America's freedom calls to them. We owe each of them the highest respect, and honor — and the assurance that their commitment to this nation’s freedom will never be forgotten. In every instance, when called upon to defend the rights of this nation that we enjoy today, American's have responded courageously.

I close today with this quote from an unknown person: "Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It moves with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."

Bob O'Neill, Commander

American Legion Post #33

Meredith