Memorial Day

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"...It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
--President Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address (November, 1863)

150 years later, the words still ring true and still carry a deep meaning to all Americans. Today is Memorial Day, the day to recall our honored dead and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifices. I'll spend the day relaxing, taking a walk in the sunshine, going to the movies. But each time I see the flag flying outside my front door, the one I put out on national holidays, it'll remind me of why this day is special, why we pause to remember.


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