Lest We Forget

They shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun.
And in the morning
We shall remember them.

-- Laurence Binyon

As we gather together to have a barbeque, or otherwise enjoy this day off, we must keep in mind the basic reason why this day was set aside as a national holiday.

It would be fitting if each of us took a minute away from chomping on burgers to remember those who sleep for all eternity far from their homes - who gave everything so that we who live in this great country retain the right to think and say and do as we wish...even as we disagree with those who hold different views and beliefs than do we.

We must use this day to remember that dissent is not disloyalty; that in their sacrifice these heroes gave us a truly awesome responsibility to ultimately govern ourselves. We delegate some of this duty by necessity to our elected officials, but the final blame for various public problems rests on our shoulders alone...until our children take up this burden.

We will honor them best by our active participation in all aspects of our own governance.