Protecting Life, Liberty, and Property
In the United States, today is Memorial Day.
On this day, we remember all those who have fallen in defense of this country; its constitution, its principles, its people, and its sacred freedoms.
They have given their lives so that we may remain free; so that we may pursue life, liberty, property, and happiness.
Let us remember that this is not some bank holiday, or a day just for beer and barbecue; this is the day we reserve for the dead.
Remember them.
Honor them.
Celebrate what they have won; what they have protected. Enjoy your day, don’t dwell on death; but remember the cost, and thank them.
To absent companions, and fallen comrades.
Christopher J. Byrne IV (Capt. USAFR, RET.)
Recessional
God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle-line,
Beneath whose awful Hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!Far-called, our navies melt away;
On dune and headland sinks the fire:
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe,
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard,
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding, calls not Thee to guard,
For frantic boast and foolish word
Thy mercy on Thy People, Lord!— Rudyard Kipling
