Memorial Day

They have stood like men in formation in a park in Easton, Pa for over ninty years. At the base of each trunk, a concrete marker sets and a metal plack displays a man's name, his rank, his date of birth, the date of his death, and the location. They are huge trees now, hardwood. They tower over the park.

On Memorial day seventeen years ago, Landi and I discovered these trees. They were planted some ninty years ago so that these men would not be forgotten. In all likelyhood, they were planted on Memorial Day by Boy Scouts. There was probably a picnic, and speaches about how these men died protecting American liberty.

In the vast Gardens of Stone scattered across Europe, today American Flags will flutter in the breeze. The old men and women remember when America came to their rescue, and after fighting across all of Europe, asked only for land to bury her dead. Europe will honor these men this day.

Traditionally, on Memorial Day the President visits Arlington. This place, once the home of Robert E. Lee, is now home to heros of many conflicts. Men who defended America in every conflict, on every continent since the Civil War are honored here. At some point today, the President normally gives a speech honoring these men at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On this day, the president and our Government remembers the sacrifices of these men, and their families.

This year, to honor these men, the president went to Chicago.