Memorial Day

Adrian H. Cline, Superintendent

May 31, 2004

It is altogether fitting that we pause each Memorial Day to remember, each of us in his or her own way, those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this great country.

There are few of us who have been untouched by the scourge of war in some way. We all have had someone who lost his or her life in a conflict or was injured in war. Whatever the case, we are all touched by it in some way.

In these cases that are so personal that they are held within the secret places of the heart, it is often difficult to gain perspective, since the loss is so close, so costly. It remain for the rest of us, therefore, to put into words on Memorial Day exactly what we feel for those who have given so much that the rest of us may breathe free air and live on a free land.

We are told that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. If that is true, then we are faced with an abundance of love on Memorial Day. We speak of men and women who were not anxious to die; who loved life; who wanted homes and families, and the good and wholesome things that life has to offer. As much as they loved life, however, they loved an idea more – the idea that their children should live free, in a free land, under the blessings of democracy.

They realized that the price of freedom is vigilance and that freedom must be defended from those forces of oppression that would take it from us. Because of that belief and dedication, they went when they were called; they went to defend this land and protect their families and the families of those who would come after them; they fought in defense of what they held dear; and they gave their lives in order that others might live.

As they gave us that gift of love, let us return that love each Memorial Day. In our thoughts, in our hearts, and in our prayers, let us remember them and honor their sacrifice.

Let us also resolve that this honor shall not be on a single day of the year, not only in the light of ceremony, but on each and every day of the year; let us remember their love, remember their devotion to the ideals of democracy, remember their hopes for our future, remember the sacrifice they made for us – let us remember and be proud.

The Office of Adrian H. Cline, Superintendent of Schools, is open from 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please visit the district web site at: www.desotoschools.com.