Thanks for the much-needed reminder. I hope you don't mind if I add just a little to your fine post. Below is the text of an email message I sent out to my friends who understand your point about freedom not being free:
"Many of you who are receiving this have been touched at some point in your lives by the loss of one who served this Nation in uniform. Some died in that uniform, others lived long and productive lives after their service was done.
I suggest you take a moment over the upcoming three-day weekend to remember those who have gone from us, not to mourn their passing, but to be thankful for their service and for the good fortune to have known them. If the opportunity presents itself, let those still among us know that we appreciate them as well. To you who are currently serving or have served, young and not so young, I extend my gratitude now.
My best wishes to all for a safe, enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day."
...They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them....
...As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Laurence Binyon
