Once we get past all the barbecues, out-of-town trips and
family get-togethers that mark the Memorial Day Weekend, it’s essential
that we take a moment to remember the bravest and best among us…those who
sacrificed various body parts or gave their lives away to defend this
"one nation…under God."
It’s easy to find flaws in our culture and even easier to
find them in the very human people we choose to represent us.
As British Lord Acton said, "Power corrupts and
absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Had I allowed cynicism to consume me this weekend, I might
have neglected our homegrown heroes entirely and dwelt on such shameful
episodes as the Jeffords’ political defection, the illegal manipulation of
gold prices by Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan and some of his friends in the
international banking sector or the annual Bilderberg meetings now underway
in Sweden, where the world’s most powerful people are deciding what size
chains to wrap around our wrists and ankles.
Instead, I prefer to concentrate on what one community is
doing to honor the spirit of Memorial Day and those who spent their lives
giving…not taking.
I’m speaking of a typical American town right up the road
from my home named Bedford, Virginia. It’s known for playing host to the
international home of the Elks Club. But for the moment, we’re more
interested in another attraction that opens, today…the D-Day Memorial.
On June 6, 1944, 21 young men from Bedford perished during
Operation Overlord, the Normandy invasion that snatched victory out of
Hitler’s hands and restored freedom to France and ultimately the entire
European continent. That death toll of 21 proved to be the highest per
capita sacrifice made by any U.S. municipality.
That’s why Bedford was chosen to host this solemn shrine.
To be sure, from the Revolution to the Gulf War, countless
patriotic volunteers and willing conscripts have signed the Declaration of
Independence with their own life blood.
No memorial is sufficient. No thank you is enough.
That their selfless actions on behalf of their fellow man
should be dishonored by so many who followed them in positions of high
authority is truly a tragedy.
Until and unless we ever find ourselves in a shooting war to
defend the values of our forefathers and the U.S. Constitution, the finest
tribute to their memory is continuing the fight against lies, corruption and
treason masquerading under the banners of globalization and world peace.
By the grace of God and the promise of His word, it’s a
battle that one day, His people will win.
Until that day comes, allow me to take this moment of
silence (pause) to pay tribute to all our fallen loved ones.
Thank you, one and all.
(Ed. Note: You can find Bedford’s D-Day Memorial website
online at http://www.dday.org/)