MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH – MAY 31, 2004

        Engraved in granite at the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City are the words of Robert Pinsky 39^th Poet Laureate of the United States:

                     Less eager than willing.  More dutiful than brave.

                    Brave when required, democracy’s children

                    They give their service far from home as victors

                    not conquerors in freedom’s name

              This simple phrase captures so clearly the spirit and solemnity that we commemorate here today.  Those who have made this ultimate sacrifice were certainly not eager to die or sustain the great suffering and pain they endured, but they were willing.  Willing to make this great sacrifice in the name of freedom.  They were brave when required, but were motivated not by bravery but by duty to God and Country.  They are truly democracy’s children who selflessly died for their Country.  They came as victors, as liberators never as conquerors.  Always in the name of freedom.  They perished far from home, frequently alone without the comforting touch of parent, spouse or child.  They went to war willingly with full knowledge that they may never see their loved ones again.  They left their children who would never again know the gentle touch or encouragement of a parent.

          This our nation’s most solemn day of remembrance.  We knew them as brothers and sisters, as husbands and wives, as children.  They gave us hope and faith in the future.  They gave us strength to overcome tyranny and human bondage.  They gave us freedom.  They often did not know why they were called to this duty or why they were asked to make this sacrifice.  They only knew that their nation called and they willingly answered.

          For those that have lived and died in service to their country, simple remembrance is not enough, honoring their service and this hallowed ground is not enough.  We must promise to reflect, teach and to educate.  We must tell stories of their bravery, courage, valor and selfless commitment to duty.  For those who had no chance to be here with family and friends, we must promise never to forget their supreme sacrifice.  These my fellow Americans are democracy’s children.

          May God bless all that died for the cause of freedom and may God bless America.

                                                                   Christopher P. St. Lawrence

                                                                   Supervisor

                                                                   Town of Ramapo