Greetings and good afternoon from Paris, nine days before the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord.
As we reflect and focus on this most solemn week, history once again serves as both guide and guardian. Sixty-three years ago, President Kennedy’s Memorial Day Declaration began with these words: “Whereas the high courage and the supreme sacrifice of Americans who gave their lives in battle have made it possible for our land to flourish under freedom and justice.”
Recalling the more recent reminder from the late Secretary of State Colin Powell, that “the United States has sent many young men and women to fight in foreign lands but have never asked for any more land than is enough in which to bury those who did not return.”
This Memorial Day week, the storm clouds of combat and conquest driven by tyranny and authoritarianism continue to cross the European continent. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill’s words, “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery shrouded by an enigma.”
And at the same time in our great nation, division and discontent are fed and enabled by malevolent forces both foreign and domestic, some of whom view, what President Lincoln characterized as “those that have given their last full measure of devotion”, as losers.
We owe these fallen heroes the courage of our convictions to remain resolute by uniting our nation in these times of great trouble and great challenge.
Thus, we should live our lives with respect and resolve, as we recognize, respect, and honor the ultimate sacrifice of our fearless fallen.
Today, we reflect, and every day, we remember.
