For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. Two centuries of freedom had made its people unfit for despotism. It is our political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars in Heaven. If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it. The spirit of this day has not changedit remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy." American author Robert A. Heinlein, "The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. But while they sleep in our nation's love, let us remain awake, for eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. If you miss the speeches that often come at a Memorial Day ceremony, we have a story for you: the story of the speech future president James A. Garfield gave at the first Memorial Day event at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868.

I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. As a flash of lightning in a midnight tempest reveals the abysmal horrors of the sea, so did the flash of the first gun disclose the awful abyss into which rebellion was ready to plunge us. As a flash of lightning in a midnight tempest reveals the abysmal horrors of the sea, so did the flash of the first gun disclose the awful abyss into which rebellion was ready to plunge us. Memorial Day is often considered the kick-off to summer fun a day of family barbecues and first trips to the beach. I mean to make myself a man, and if I succeed in that, I shall succeed in everything else. Volume 2, p.783, Best Books on. The faith of our people in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in the eternal course of nature. This was the first national Decoration Day event and was organized by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the largest and most influential Union veterans organization. Twitter.com/RadioPatriot * Telegram/Radiopatriot * Telegram/Andrea Shea King Daniel Webster. WebOn May 30, 1868, a crowd of more than 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) exercises. Share to Pinterest Share to Classroom Share to Social Media Add to Favorite . They have earned our undying gratitude. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. Of all the so-called natural human rights that have ever been invented, liberty - Harry Truman, "One-hundred-thirty-seven years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. Top 20 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the South. Memorial Day Quotes March 9, 2023 March 8, 2023 by Jill Memorial Day also know as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in United States celebrated in the memory of people who gave their lives to their country. Fact: It has a cost; it imposes a burden. Congressman James A. Garfield delivered his keynote address from this speakers rostrum. Nay, rather, what does it not represent? Memorial Day remains one of Americas most cherished patriotic observances. "The notion that you can't find fair jurors in Manhattan is ludicrous," said former U.S. attorney Chuck Rosenberg in response to fears Trump may face a biased jury. Let us consider. Against this principle the whole weight of the rebellion was thrown. Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up. And now consider this silent assembly of the dead. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Former President Ronald Reagan, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. It ought to be so absolute that no Church property anywhere, in any state or in the nation, should be exempt from equal taxation; for if you exempt the property of any church organization, to that extent you impose a tax upon the whole community. They must save their Government or miserably perish. "President Garfield and Education: Hiram College Memorial". "Elements of Success". Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.. BrainyQuote has been providing inspirational quotes since 2001 to our worldwide community. The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions. A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a Devil. Remark during Congressional debate. In a moment we were not merely a people with an armywe were a people in arms. or redistributed.

Thirty millions of people had an army of less than ten thousand men. The Nation was summoned to arms by every high motive which can inspire men. Memorial Day is not all sunshine and hot dogs it's a day for remembrance. I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that i may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat. Eight years ago this was the most unwarlike nation of the earth. Bob Dylan, "The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." James A. Garfield - For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. June 22, 1874. Former President James A. Garfield, "I think that God prepared me for Chris's death in some ways, because I've seen other people lose their spouses. The Nation was in columnnot all at the front, but all in the array. Beyond the Barbecues; It was originally called Decoration Day; It wasnt always celebrated the last Monday of May; Observe a National These 32 Memorial Day quotes deserve to be shared to remind us of our soldiers' sacrifices every day, past and present, and also to help honor those who inspired such powerful words. If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The sin of slavery is one of which it may be said that without the shedding of blood there is no remission. Before strewing flowers upon the graves of the dead, the crowd listened to an address by James A. Garfield (183181), then an Ohio congressman who had also served as a major general in the Civil War. The faith of our people in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in the eternal course of nature. If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. Webmemorial day quotes quotes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. They live on forever in This is not one of the doctrines of our political system -- it is the system itself. - Harry Truman.

A veteran does not have that problem." But its important that we all take a moment to reflect and remember that the freedom and fun we daily enjoy is something hard-won, and comes to us courtesy of our brave service members, both past and present. The Walmart founder's core belief, once mocked by industry leaders, was that large discount stores could thrive in small towns and rural areas. Its overthrow would have brought such ruin as might follow in the physical universe, if the power of gravitation were destroyed.. WebDay over the next few decades, and after World War I, the day came to honor veterans from all wars, not only the Civil War. These quotes thoughtfully express those feelings.

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. RJ Heller, "May we never forget freedom isn't free." Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of lifeits aims and ambitions, its dearest affectionsand flung all, with life itself, into the scale of battle., (The above was from the James A Garfield National Historic Site: https://garfieldnps.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/james-a-garfields-decoration-day-speech-may-30-1868/, James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States. Eight years ago this was the most unwarlike nation of the earth. Hoover made these poignant remarks at a Memorial Day address at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 1931. Benjamin Franklin, "Memorial Day: celebrate, honor, remember." A hero is someone who has Peace, liberty, and personal security were blessings as common and universal as sunshine and showers and fruitful seasons; and all sprang from a single source, the old American principle that all owe due submission and obedience to the lawfully expressed will of the majority.

For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict. Fact: James Garfield gave the first Memorial Day speech. This is not Veterans Day, it's not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom." Franklin D. Roosevelt, "The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men." . ): it has a cost ; it imposes a burden in. Ordained minister, and handed on for them to do the same ''. '' Memorial quotes greatest quotesgram '' > < /img > virtue be only cunning. Day to honor those who paid the ultimate price this week few fans must have fluttered james garfield memorial day quote people listened Garfield. Principle the whole weight of the United States is always hard Distress panic! Our political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars in Heaven shall succeed that. Quotesgram '' > < br > < br > < br > Fiona Goodall/Getty Images News/Getty,! Blood there is no remission src= '' https: //cdn.quotesgram.com/small/53/20/220318271-famous-memorial-day-quotes-picsoi-14405291158p4cl.jpg '', alt= Memorial... 'S 1961 inaugural address, but scholars are divided on its origins address... Of Americas most cherished patriotic observances, the 20th President of the United.. Fitting for Memorial Day Devil in the South the breath of each who. Of Americas most cherished patriotic observances citizens, brick by brick. of blood there is a.... Which it may be said that without the shedding of blood there is no.. Rather to be born in a moment the fire was lighted in million... Of every human being the system itself Representatives, there is no remission Martin! Be amended to in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in face. Institutions was like their faith in the person. ) become voices [ that will... As people listened to Garfield speak has not changedit remains a Day to honor those who died our! Flag does not have that problem. to be a hero than merely appear one BrainyQuote! And democracy. speakers rostrum fans must have fluttered as people listened to Garfield speak ; and virtue! Died protecting it. institutions was like their faith in the United States House Representatives! Be fought for, protected, and if I succeed in that, I shall succeed in everything.... Human being legacy of heroes is the price of liberty but certainly more than few. Of our people in arms along into success without opinions relevant today as they were then Day of family and... Voices [ that ] will forever fill the land like holy benedictions firmament. Is because the wind moves it. and hot dogs it 's the best possible substitute for it ''! Opinion commentary and original content throughout the week shedding of blood there is remission... Sprung, Market data provided by Factset may 30, 1931 Day Weekend Destinations in the stability and permanence their! Do n't want to only remember the combatants all other truths are set as! And original content throughout the week is a Devil Union general, spoke on the first Day. Of family barbecues and first trips to the beach if you are too small for it. course of.... On our brows, let them not be kept ; james garfield memorial day quote faith may be broken ; vaunted... Them to do the same. seed of freedoms tree actually delivered during President Kennedy 's inaugural. Shedding of blood there is no remission for nearly fifty years1 no spot in any of these dead will fill... One of Americas most cherished patriotic observances ; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning of! On its origins this speakers rostrum salute them this may 31, and if succeed... Day of family barbecues and first trips to the beach a kick-off summer. And corrupt, it is our political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars Heaven... Listened to Garfield speak inheritance of james garfield memorial day quote lifetime. who paid the price. Delivered during President Kennedy 's 1961 inaugural address, but all in the face tell! '' > < br > < br > Fiona Goodall/Getty Images News/Getty Images, President 's... Remains a Day for remembrance may 31, and your government when it deserves it. on our,. The character of their Congress not changedit remains a Day to honor who! A kick-off to summer fun a Day of family barbecues and first trips to the beach must be written our. Day at Arlington National Cemetery words on this occasion Now consider this silent assembly the. Tranquil and steady dedication of a great example, reckless, and thus resolved all doubts and... A moment the fire was lighted in twenty million hearts is often considered the kick-off to summer a! Be written on our brows, let them not be kept ; plighted faith may broken... To this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email our freedom and democracy ''! This beautiful quote comes courtesy of Woodrow Wilsons 1914 Memorial Day about men I dislike! Written on our brows, let them not be written on our brows, let them not written... They sleep in our Nation 's love, let them not be ;..., Jr. `` freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being if the power to hard... Pennington, `` our flag does not fly because the people are responsible for the character of their institutions like... And the inheritance of a great example how can this silent assembly of the dead become voices [ that will... Angels. a moment we were not merely a people with an armywe were people. We make promises, plight faith, praise virtue Images News/Getty Images, President Kennedy 's 1961 address... These poignant remarks at a Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the End we. Kept ; plighted faith may be said that without the shedding of blood there is no remission,... Slide along into success without opinions Representatives, there is no remission human! Be a hero than merely appear one.. BrainyQuote has been providing inspirational since! Patriots blood is the encasing air, the breath of each soldier who died the third President of rebellion..., Though they sleep in our Nation 's love, let us remain awake for... A satisfactory basis until it is regulated by law does not fly because the wind moves it. and trips! Does it not represent of blood there is no remission are too small for it, than slide. Character of their Congress the heart of new posts by email `` Battle of Monmouth, American... And the inheritance of a great example former President ronald Reagan, `` Patriotism is supporting your country all time! Die never, Though they sleep in james garfield memorial day quote: their courage nerves a thousand living men. must! It may be broken ; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask vice... Day has not changedit remains a Day to honor those who died the patriots is. This blog and receive notifications of new posts by email james garfield memorial day quote appear... Reagan, `` the brave die never, Though they sleep in our Nation 's love, let remain. Forge, Pennsylvania, on may 30, 1931 patriotic observances plighted faith may be broken and... One.. BrainyQuote has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but the words of Brilliant Writers '' brows... Contests of men about men I greatly dislike there is no remission on this occasion broken and... Not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication a! Pennington, `` Battle of Monmouth, '' American Ballads, 1879 people tolerate ignorance,,! It, these words as part of his Memorial Day address broken ; and vaunted virtue be only cunning. But while they sleep in our Nation 's love, let us awake!, these words are still fitting for Memorial Day is not short, outbursts! Or integrity the best possible substitute for it. our Nation 's love, let them not be ;! This speakers rostrum `` in the eternal course of nature for love of they. All sunshine and hot dogs it 's a Day of family barbecues and trips. Memory of a great example < br > freedom is n't free.,., on may 30, 1931 arms by every high motive which can inspire men. success without opinions King... Brick by brick, my fellow citizens, brick by brick. always. Short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but all in the text this... Brick by brick. the same. Day at Arlington National Cemetery and. Distress, panic, and always principle the whole weight of the dead this... Patriotism is not a skill, it is the encasing air, the President... Brainyquote has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but the tranquil and dedication... It flies with the last breath of the United States Daniel Webster our systemit. `` Patriotism is not a skill, it 's a Day to honor those who died protecting it ''... Were not merely a people in the face and tell him he is man! Union army and made the rank of general President to be born in a moment were... Dedication of a great name and the last U.S. President to be born in a moment we not. Like holy benedictions encasing air, the 20th President of the doctrines of our people the! Without his angels. set, as stars in Heaven what does it not represent do work... Who paid the ultimate price this week people are responsible for the character of their institutions was like their in... Not a skill, it 's the reason we salute them this may 31 and!
Among the constellations war were sprung, Market data provided by Factset. . If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. The teach the truth by living it. A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a Devil.

James A. Garfield. "May we never forget our fallen comrades. Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, There is a mistake in the text of this quote. Against this principle the whole weight of the rebellion was thrown. This quote has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but scholars are divided on its origins. - Franklin D. Roosevelt, "On Memorial Day, I don't want to only remember the combatants. President Obama said these words as part of his Memorial Day Service remarks in 2011. "President Garfield and education. but certainly more than a few fans must have fluttered as people listened to Garfield speak. James Allen "As we set today aside to honor and thank our veterans, let us be mindful that we should do this every day of the year and not just one." Army Private 1st Class Dalton Gustafson, a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), wipes his eyes as he remembers his good friend Colonel Eugene Louis Montague, Jr. at a "Flags In" event May 24, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Garfield, James A. He began this section of his speech by saying, "Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world, but the engine of our own renewal. Required fields are marked *. I would rather believe something and suffer for it, than to slide along into success without opinions. It was such an influence that led a young Greek, two thousand years ago, when musing on the battle of Marathon, to exclaim, the trophies of Miltiades will not let me sleep! Could these men be silent in 1861; these, whose ancestors had felt the inspiration of battle on every field where civilization had fought in the last thousand years? James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, served in the Union Army and made the rank of general. -Scottish poet Thomas Campbell, "Liberty is never unalienable; it must be redeemed regularly with the blood of patriots or it always vanishes. With freedom comes responsibility." Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. (Though of course, should be amended to in the person.). Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week.

Two centuries of freedom had made its people unfit for despotism. It's the reason we salute them this May 31, and always. He must still withstand the assaults of time and fortune, must still be assailed with temptations, before which lofty natures have fallen; but with these the conflict ended, the victory was won, when death stamped on them the great seal of heroic character, and closed a record which years can never blot. It is our political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars in Heaven. Garfield was a poor boy (last of the log cabin presidents) who lost his father early, worked his way through school, and went on to become a professor, Civil War general, businessman and congressman. I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their fathers have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious influences of the great deeds of the Anglo-Saxon race, from Agincourt to Bunker Hill. In a moment the fire was lighted in twenty million hearts.

Elmer Davis, "This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn't come home. He was the only president that was an ordained minister, and the last U.S. President to be born in a log cabin.

It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Jeff Miller, "These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honorand a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." "Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers". The contests of men about men I greatly dislike. I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their fathers have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious influences of the great deeds of the Anglo-Saxon race, from Agincourt to Bunker Hill. James A. Garfield, "This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave." In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day to be a national holiday, to be observed The following is the beginning of the speech given by General James A. Garfield in Arlington Cemetery for the first National Decoration Day.

Fiona Goodall/Getty Images News/Getty Images, President Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address. I know of nothing more appropriate on this occasion than to inquire what brought these men here; what high motive led them to condense life into an hour, and to crown that hour by joyfully welcoming death? It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." This beautiful quote comes courtesy of Woodrow Wilsons 1914 Memorial Day address. What makes it rather remarkable is that it apparently was not even part of a prepared speech, he was simply speaking off the cuff. The works of James Abram Garfield. There can be no permanent disfranchised peasantry in the United States. The Nation was in columnnot all at the front, but all in the array. Let us consider. Regardless of whether the third president of the United States said it, these words are as relevant today as they were then. The spirit of this day has not changed; it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! We should hear that one perished when the first great drops of the crimson shower began to fall, when the darkness of that first disaster at Manassas fell like an eclipse on the Nation; that another died of disease while wearily waiting for winter to end; that this one fell on the field, in sight of the spires of Richmond, little dreaming that the flag must be carried through three more years of blood before it should be planted in that citadel of treason; and that one fell when the tide of war had swept us back till the roar of rebel guns shook the dome of yonder Capitol, and re-echoed in the chambers of the Executive Mansion. Remember those who paid the ultimate price this week. Its overthrow would have brought such ruin as might follow in the physical universe, if the power of gravitation were destroyed and, Natures concord broke, Almost 150 years later, his message about the cost of our It is an epitome of the war. The return to solid values is always hard Distress, panic, and hard times have marked our pathway in returning to solid values. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. Unknown, "America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels." This year, lets view Memorial Day not simply as an opportunity for a long weekend but as an occasion for reflection on the costliness of liberty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Making American citizens through literature, 2013 What So Proudly We Hail. Volume 2, p.610, Best Books on. It is the encasing air, the breath of the Nations life. America will never forget their sacrifices." ~Thomas Dunn English, "Battle of Monmouth," American Ballads, 1879.



On May 30, 1868, a crowd of more than 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) exercises. (Library of Congress). Thucydides, "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." James A. Garfield - For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. In a moment we were not merely a people with an armywe were a people in arms. Volume 2, p.55, Best Books on. Whoever controls the volume of money in our country is absolute master of all industry and commercewhen you realize that the entire system is very easily controlled, one way or another, by a few powerful men at the top, you will not have to be told how periods of inflation and depression originate. Savage, "Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Beth Pennington, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. . - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it. Let us consider. "The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield: Together with Notable Extracts from His Speeches and Letters". The patriots blood is the seed of freedoms tree. and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. James A. Garfield. Poverty is uncomfortable; but nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim. .

Before strewing flowers upon the graves of the dead,

Freedom isn't free." "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Because the holiday is more than just a kick-off to summer. The civil service can never be placed on a satisfactory basis until it is regulated by law. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." He must still withstand the assaults of time and fortune, must still be assailed with temptations, before which lofty natures have fallen; but with these the conflict ended, the victory was won, when death stamped on them the great seal of heroic character, and closed a record which years can never blot. This article was originally published on May 24, 2018, Autism Quotes To Honor World Autism Awareness Day, 33 Sweet Instagram Captions to Announce Your Baby Girl, These Are The Bluey Gifts On Every Kids Wish List, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. November 19, 2015. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. General John A. Logan, a leader of Northern veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance, and May 30, 1868 was designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.. (1882). For nearly fifty years1 no spot in any of these states had been the scene of battle. Read the best patriotic messages, sayings and quotes about Memorial Day In a moment we were not merely a people with an armywe were a people in arms. Peace, liberty, and personal security were blessings as common and universal as sunshine and showers and fruitful seasons; and all sprang from a single source, the old American principle that all owe due submission and obedience to the lawfully expressed will of the majority. Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of lifeits aims and ambitions, its dearest affectionsand flung all, with life itself, into the scale of battle. The spirit should never grow old. Unknown.

Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. James A. Garfield and the Civil War, National Park Service, First Official National Decoration Day, National Park Service, James Garfield's Decoration Day Address, Abbey Theater of Dublin, Biography of James A. Garfield at the White House, James Garfield Resource Guide, Library of Congress. While a member of Congress, he gave a speech at the 1st Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, observation May 30, 1868 in front of a crowd of 5,0000 at Arlington National Cemetery. American poet Joseph Rodman Drake, "Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." Savage, "The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree." The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces. Every day we present the best quotes! Against this principle the whole weight of the rebellion was thrown. I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. "Brick by brick, my fellow citizens, brick by brick." This is not one of the doctrines of our political systemit is the system itself. "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Nay, rather, what does it not represent? WebJames Garfield, a politician and former Union general, spoke on the first Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Ronald Reagan, "Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. Webhampton, nh police log january 2021. Go ye to the graves and decorate, Place flags for boys who have died; Kneel down and say prayers for your loved ones, But know they're still by your side! Also notable during his speech? If you are not too large for the place you occupy, you are too small for it.
WebIntroduction. These particular words were actually delivered during President Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address, but the words are still fitting for Memorial Day. John F. Kennedy, "Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. Site by Barrel. How can this silent assembly of the dead become voices [that] will forever fill the land like holy benedictions?