May 26, 2003 Memorial Day
The man in the lower left hand corner is my father. Legend has it that he got drunk one night in a tavern, and afraid to face my mother the next day, he enlisted. For two years he fought the Japanese in the Philippines and lived to tell me the tales that form the foundation of my childhood. He died just when I was 11 – when a boy needs the company of his father for the challenges that lay ahead. But he was there for me nevertheless – and still is.
To all the veterans – all of America’s citizen soldiers… Thank you.
For creating a land where I don’t have to fear punishment for what I write. Thank you.
For building a society where my children can achieve their dreams. Thank you.
For protecting our great country from those who would do us ill. Thank you.
For laying down your lives so that we might live ours in peace and prosperity. Thank you.
For giving up your dreams so that we can live ours. Thank you.
For becoming our heroes – the men and women who embody the ideals we all hold dear. Thank you.
Thank you every one of you.
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