Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.
~ Will Carleton

This Memorial Day weekend we pause to honor and celebrate the men and women who gave their lives in honor to forge this glorious country of ours.

It is not one of our grand holidays like the Fourth of July, but it does merit a national holiday and a live performance on the Capitol Green that is guaranteed to bring tears of pride to your eyes.

This day of remembrance started out as Decoration Day 129 years ago as families gathered to honor the dead from both sides of the Civil War. Now, it is a time to honor our dead heroes who rest in peace in all parts of the world, buried where they stood and died in blind courage to defend our way of life.

This year we especially want to honor and remember those who gave their all in World War II, the Korean conflict and our Vietnam warriors. We will always remember your sacrifices.

We also salute and honor the families who have lost loved ones through the years in defense of our nation. We know the hurt never lessens and the loss always tugs at the heart.

May the Good Lord bless you and comfort you.

And may God bless our homeland and its flag. May it forever wave in peace.