Choir Notes

Each Day Is A Day To Remember:
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered by: Lloyd D. Newell . Program 413o

Etched on the U.S. Navy Seabee Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, are words that resonate with every member of the military - past and present:

"With willing hearts and skillful hands,
The difficult we do at once;
The impossible takes a bit longer

"With compassion for others
We build - we fight

For peace with freedom"

As a nation, we commemorate a special day of appreciation for veterans, the brave men and women who have willingly dedicated their lives to their country and the freedoms it represents. Over 50 years ago, United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a veteran of two world wars, issued this proclamation:

"I ... do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain."1

For those who love freedom and country, for those who respect sacrifice and service in behalf of the common good, each day is a day to remember those who have donned the uniform and served their country.

A country is only as strong as the men and women brave enough, selfless enough, and honorable enough to serve their nation. All who have served gave some part of their life, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Today each one of use is a beneficiary of their service. We remember and honor them, this day and always.

1 In "History of Veterans Day," http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp