Hundreds of graves - hundreds of graves are here from recent conflicts. Section 60 - when I walk through it, it reminds me of the cost of war. They did not only die at Gettysburg or in Flanders Field or on the beaches of Normandy, but in the mountains of Afghanistan, the deserts of Iraq in the last 20 years. Here in Arlington lie heroes who gave what President Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.” War and conflict, death and loss are not relics of our American history they’re a part of Americans’ story. And still today, Americans stand watch around the world, often at their great personal peril. They are - they are the sentinels of liberty, defenders of the downtrodden, liberators of nations. Women and men, all those we honor today, gave their lives for their country, but they live forever in our hearts - forever proud, forever honorable, forever American. The experiment bears the noble name: The United States of America. Here on these gentle, rolling green hills and across America and around the globe lie buried the heroes of the greatest experiment the world has ever known, ever seen. We live by the light of the flame of liberty they kept burning. He directed the nation set aside a day to honor, and I quote, “those who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard throughout the land.”Īnd so we have and so we do again today, in our time, where the children of sacrifice made by a long line of American servicemembers, each a link in that chain of honor. In calling for such today, General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order Number 11. A war for liberty and for the preservation of the Constitution. We all know Memorial Day origins lie in the wake of the Civil War - a war for the freedom of all. And my prayer for all of you is that that day will come sooner rather than later. The Bible teaches, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” That comfort, that reassurance can be a long time in coming, but it will come - I promise you. To all of you who are fighting with the fresh pain of loss, as hard as it is to believe, I promise you this: The day will come when the image of your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes. Because through pain and anguish of his loss, I remember the pride on his face the day I pinned those bars on his shoulders. I know exactly where I need to be: right here, honoring our fallen heroes. I always feel Beau close to me on Memorial Day. It can hurt to remember, but the hurt is how we feel and how we heal. And it’s a hard time - a hard time of year for me and our family, just like it is for so many of you. Yesterday marked the anniversary of his death. Our son Beau’s service in the Delaware Army National Guard unit, the year he spent deployed in Iraq, was one of the things that he was most proud of in life. I know the incredible pride you felt seeing your loved one wear the uniform of our country, and the pride they felt wearing it. Our losses are not the same, but that black hole you feel in your chest - as if it’s going to suck you into it - we get. To those who mourn a loved one today: Jill and I have some idea how you’re feeling. We remember their smiles their loves their laughter their essential, vibrant, and transcendent humanity.įor while we stand amid monuments of stone, we must never forget that each of these markers, for those known and unknown, here at Arlington and far beyond represent a precious life: a son, a daughter, a mother, a spouse, a brother, a sister, a friend, a neighbor. We remember their sacrifice, their valor, and their grace. We remember those who gave their all in the service of America, in the service of freedom, in the service of justice. THE PRESIDENT: Madam Vice President, Secretary Austin, Secretary McDonough, General Milley, Gold Star families, my fellow Americans - we’re gathered at this sacred place in this solemn hour to engage in the most fundamental of undertakings: the rite of remembrance. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
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