Why We Celebrate

BHG

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

Why We Celebrate

The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history 

in the blood of her patriots. 

 ~Randy Vader

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; 

I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate 

on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, 

because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their 

valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant 

commemoration of what they did.  

~Benjamin Harrison

 Washington Post

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

Grand Forks Herald