"These heroes are dead. They died for liberty-they died for us.

They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free,

under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines,

the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, the embracing vines.

They sleep beneath the shadow of the clouds,

careless alike of sunshine or storm,

each in the windowless palace of rest.

Earth may run red with other wars-they are at peace.

In the midst of the battles, in the roar of conflicts,

they found the serenity of death."

Life without that of one who serves their country proud,

freely, and valantly would be a life void of love, dreams, freedom,

a life void of the many treasures so many of us call life.

Children, mates, cars, boats, planes, photos,

books, stories, smiles, all a part of life.

To those of you wear the uniform of your country with pride today,

and for those of you who wore the uniform in days past,

these few words go out to you, and hope

they bring life in its fullness unto you and yours.

You gave of yourself, to protect and keep that life

which you had learned and begun to love.

You gave of your family, you gave of your life,

some came home, some never did,

some live in our memories, some in our tears,

taken in life both young and old,

no score card to determine who went and who returned.

So accept these simple words of thanks.

Thank You...