Memorial Day Address

Goodafternoon.

I am honored to bring this afternoon’s address. It has been my privilege to be a part of this event for the past several years. My participation has always been as the sweaty guy behind the grill and delivering the opening and closing prayer.

This year when I was asked to deliver the keynote address, I through of all the remarkable and distinguished people that have been in this position and I was truly humbled and thought “Who am I?”

Almost immediately, I was struck with the realization, It’s not about me, or anything I’ve done, or haven’t done. Today is about honoring the memory of those men and women who sacrificed everything in service to their country, and show solidarity and support for our Gold Star families.

A few weeks ago I had the privilege to attend my grandson’s Pre-K graduation ceremony. As ridiculous as the idea of having a graduation ceremony for making it through a year of snacks, naps and play time sounds, it was actually quite entertaining.

At the beginning of the program the kids recited the Pledge of Allegiance. I realize they didn’t fully understand the full meaning behind the pledge, just like a lot of them think the 12th letter of the alphabet is LMNOP; but it was nice to hear them say it.

I was reminded of a story about the Pledge of Allegiance from Red Skelton, an old entertainer and comedian. He told the story of a teacher who was listening to his class recite the Pledge and through they had lost sight of its’ meaning; resulting in mindless repetition. Now, working in the Jonesboro Public School System. I hear people recite the Pledge of Allegiance on a regular basis. Is is said in the morning at each school, before every sporting event and It does seem that for some it has become monotonous.

SO…. I would like to give you this afternoon, what Red Skelton’s teacher gave him, which is to recite the Pledge of Allegiance giving an try to give an explanation of each word.

I,: me, and individual, a committee of one

Pledge :solemnly promise and dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity

Allegiance : my love, devotion and loyalty.

To the Flag: Our standard, Old Glory, A symbol of Freedom. Wherever she waves, there’s respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, “Freedom is everybody’s job.”

of the UNITED : That means we have all come together.

States of America: Individual communities that have divided into 50 great states. 50 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose and that’s love for country.

And to the Republic: Republic, a state in which sovereign power is invested representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it’s from the people to the leaders and not the leaders to the people.

One Nation under God: The recognition that we serve a power higher than ourselves, dictated not by our government but by our own conscience.

Indivisible : Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty: which is freedom, the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, or fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice: The principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others.

For All: That means it is a much your country as it is mine.

And Now, if you are able, please stand and recite with me the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

You may be seated.

In closing: To make a pledge is to risk everything in the service to that which you pledge. Today is the day we honor who paid that price. To our Gold Star families, I offer the same prayer that Abraham Lincoln offered to a mother who lost five son’s in the Civil War.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.

May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Thank you.