This Memorial Day we remember with thanksgiving the sacrifices and services of those in every generation who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces.

Particularly we pause with awe, as we consider the terrible price so many paid for our liberty and freedom. We lift their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

In the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, one noted that "our memory is hallowed ground." May our God-given gift of memory be used for good purposes: to keep our country in perpetual remembrances of the brave men and women who have served their country by giving of their lives. May they rest in peace.

And may we remember our veterans among us -- and those men and women now serving in harm's way -- and their families as well, and act in ways to lift their burdens, giving them our thanks and our support.

And by remembering, may we thus keep faith with our own duty to our country as citizens, blessed to live in a land of liberty. This should be a day not only of remembering, but also of thanksgiving and commitment.

May this Memorial Day be blessed for you and yours and our country.

Tom Walker Executive Director