On May 30th 1868, General James A. Garfield, the future 20th
President of the United States, stood at this very lectern and presented the
featured oration for the Dedication of this beautiful Amphitheater. Now the privilege of standing here is mine
and we are gathered here to honor the memory all those who rest around us.
For the past one hundred and forty-eight years this amphitheater has
been a symbol of the fulfillment of the Grand Army of the Republics promise to
keep green the memory of the Boys in Blue 1861-1865. Within the columns this amphitheater we have
faithfully assembled to perform our solemn duty to remember. We are summoned as were our forefathers to
return to this amphitheater, which marks for us, the heart of this hallowed
ground we call Arlington National Cemetery.
Many Men and Women have come to this place, first as the Grand Army of
the Republic and later as the Allied Orders.
Over the years the names, of those standing on this dais, have changed
but the purpose has always remained the same.
We come to pay homage to the brave men who sleep upon these rolling
hills, embraced in solemnity, peace, and reverence.
We also come in part to follow General John A. Logan’s order # 11, which
established our tradition of remembrance.
This historic order was the clarion call for a day to be set aside for
the purpose of remembrance and it created a compact between the living and the dead
that must be reaffirmed by every generation of Americans.
Much has occurred in the last one hundred forty-eight years. America has often be forced to deal with
challenges, but through it all we have always kept faith with those who
perished in the defense of our nation. We
have sent our young men and women, of every race and creed, into conflicts far
from home and family to bring hope, equality, and freedom to the oppressed in
every corner of this world.
All those years ago General Logan
did not know what the future would hold for America but he hoped that Americans
would never lose sight of the sacrifice, which had been made to preserve our
Union. I find it only fitting for us to
also remember those soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen
who’s remains are forever joined, here in this place, with those of the Civil
War dead. Together they form a Legion of
Heroes to whom we owe an incredible debt for every breath of air and every
blessing of freedom we enjoy.
In a few minutes we will leave this amphitheater and travel the short
distance to the final resting place of thousands of American Civil War unknown
dead. We will place wreaths, render
honors, and play taps. Each of these
elements are an essential aspect of our ceremonial act of remembrance. However, for me it is my personal act of
remembrance that matters most. It is
taking time to separate ourselves from the myriad pursuits and problems of
daily life to participate in this ceremony that truly counts.
The old veterans used the phrase “Lest We Forget” as their motto when
planning and holding their ceremonies of remembrance. I believe that phrase contains the essential
truth of why we are here today. In the
end it is not a date on a calendar or a specific place that defines Memorial
Day; rather it is our individual and corporate dedication to the act of
remembrance that has meaning and the ability to draw us together as a people.
Yes, remembrance is a sacred duty each American must share in but we,
the Allied Orders, have an even greater responsibility as leaders in the our
communities and the nation as a whole when it comes to emphasizing and
committing ourselves to honoring and remembering the fallen. We must proclaim the motto “Lest we Forget”
with every ounce of passion and patriotism we possess.
I ask you now here in this place of
honor and respect to join with me in pledging and reaffirming our commitment by
saying “We will Never Forget” “I will
Never Forget”
I thank you for the honor of allowing me to speak to you today, m May
the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters be ever with you, and may God
grant his grace on the United States of America
Written and presented by Mark R. Day 5/21/2016. Copyright by Mark R. Day 5/21/2016, all rights reserved.
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