CLEVELAND, May 26 — The following is a message from BLET National President Don M. Hahs on Memorial Day 2006.
For many Americans, Memorial Day is often thought of as the unofficial start to summer, but it is so much more than that. Memorial Day is the day that Americans have set aside to honor and remember those who have died serving our country.
As we have seen over the past four years, death lurks around every corner for those who serve our nation in the armed forces. Each day, our young men and women serving overseas put their lives on the line to serve their government and many — too many — of these young people have made the ultimate sacrifice. As of yesterday, the Department of Defense has identified 2,452 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war and 292 who have died in Afghanistan.
These heroic young men and women, and all those who have served in all the wars before them, deserve our undying gratitude and thanks. They have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to keep us safe and so that those around the world may know freedom, and, for that, we are forever in their debt.
May you and your families have a safe and healthy holiday.