It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical
training.
Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was moving way too slowly.
I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.
The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site
built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst
redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed
in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.
My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck,
getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.
All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again,
the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course,
jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove.
I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who
knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. I couldn't wait to see the butt-chewing that
he was going to get for making me late.
He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame.
I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small
American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain,
and set it upright again.
Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know,
taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures.
That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag --
encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget.
I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier."
I thank God for examples like that.
And on this Memorial Day,
I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom,
and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.
True account written by Army Captain John Rasmussen
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH,
President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial
Day, May 26, 2008, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I
designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day
as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the
National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m., local time, on
Memorial Day. I encourage the media to participate in these observances.
I also request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of
government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff until noon on
this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels
throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction
and control. I also request the people of the United States to display
the flag at half staff from their homes for the customary forenoon
period.
How to Participate
Participation
is voluntary and informal. You may observe in your own way a Moment of
Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever you are doing for a
moment of silence or listening to "Taps."
You may also
organize the observance more formally at such places as your
neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of
remembrance. You may ring a bell to signify the beginning and the end of
the Moment or tune in to a local radio station that is observing
the Moment with the playing of "Taps."
If you are driving a vehicle, you may turn on your headlights.
Why
To remind
all Americans of the importance of remembering those who
sacrificed for their freedom and what it means to be an
American.
To
provide Americans throughout the world an opportunity to join
this expression of gratitude in an act of unity.
To make
Memorial Day relevant, especially to younger Americans.
The 2008 National Memorial Day Concert
Putting the Memory Back in
Memorial Day
Sunday, May 25, 2008, 8 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol.
The 2008 National Memorial Day Concert
will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on
Sunday, May 25, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET (check local listings). The Concert
will also be broadcast via American Forces Radio and Television Network to
the approximately 1 million U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense
civilian employees and their families stationed overseas in 176 countries
and territories and aboard more than 200 U.S. Navy ships at sea.
Dedicated to all the Americans who have served or made the ultimate
sacrifice for our country.
Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed
in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.
