(AP photo)
In the late 1950s, my parents bought an organ for me, a little one, when I was about 8 years old. The first song I learned to play was "From the Halls of Montezuma"...to the shores of Tripoli. I didn't understand much more about those words than that they were about brave soldiers somewhere fighting a war. I sang the song proudly while I played. I have always had an affinity for the military. Even at a young age, I appreciated bravery and willingness to serve others...qualities I recognized in young men in uniform. I remember watching TV programs in the late 50's about the military..."Men of Annapolis" and"West Point" .
Today is Memorial Day 2026. CSPAN is airing the National Memorial Day parade complete with marching bands, gold star families carrying flags, and Americans of all stripes and colors lining the street. The beautiful American flag is everywhere. It is the day the President will lay the wreath at Arlington National Cemetary while Taps is played.
Today is the day we get to donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They both have taken up the call to continue to support the families of military men and women who have lost a loved one by paying off home mortgages and providing programs and emotional support.
Today is the day for us to remember those who gave all by enjoying the freedoms for which they fought and died.
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth".
May the words of Abraham Lincoln stir the hearts of all Americans as today we remember "these honored dead".
