Memorial Day Tribute

Fallen Warriors

Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss.

And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment.

-- President George W. Bush, September 2001

"Why stand we here idle? Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!“

Patrick Henry

The Price of Freedom

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

This tribute is a celebration of the lives of those who died for our freedom and a celebration of that freedom.

The value of a life, not many – just one –Has been forgotten

until this cruel war is won.

Fighting an enemy they never seem to see,Soldiers risk their lives so that free we may be

As the death toll rose, I wasn't concerned.It didn't seem like a big deal from what I had learned.

Compared to wars before, the numbers seemed small,Plus it was their choice to answer the call.

I know many soldiers, I love them so much.They train, go to Iraq, come home and such.

They walk with such pride it demands respect,The fear behind those eyes, you wouldn't expect.

The phone call came just the other day.A soldier was coming home to stay.

This time it was different, something wasn't right,He had given up his life, not given the chance to fight.

The casket was draped in the colors he loved,

For those colors he thanked God in heaven above.

You see understanding in the eyes of every soldier you meet,

A piece is missing, the puzzle will never again be complete.

Suddenly three thousand lives become three thousand mothers,Her child gave his life for the lives of others.

They lowered their baby into a grave,He died for the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. by Susan Shinn

Thomas Jefferson on slavery

There is nothing I would not sacrifice to a practicable plan of abolishing every vestige of this moral and political depravity.

Douglas MacArthur

No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation

John F. Kennedy

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world—ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

We remember We remember ……

Rev. Michael Muellerwww.LovingShepherd.com