 On Memorial Day, Americans unite to pay tribute to the many brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. As we decorate the graves of our fallen heroes with flags and flowers, let us remember that we can best honor the dead by rededicating ourselves to the principles for which they fought for. We Americans have never failed to defend our nation against those who would rest our precious freedoms from us. Under the call to protect that freedom rose up from the fields at Lexington and Concord or from the decks of a destroyer in the Persian Gulf, the answer from the American Fighting Man has always been clear and unequivocal. We will defend our freedom by our deeds and if we must make the ultimate sacrifice. This legacy of our courageous servicemen and women is our responsibility and our heritage. It is the skill, courage and dedication of you, the members of our Armed Forces today, that form the foundation of the peace we will enjoy tomorrow. These qualities define the meaning of Memorial Day. On behalf of our nation, I thank you. As your Commander-in-Chief, I salute you. God bless you.