Post Commander's Proclamation

Memorial Day May 25^th, 2020

Veterans Cemetery Marpi, CNMI U.S.A.

Good morning Ladies & Gentlemen,

It is Monday May 25^th2020 - Memorial Day, a most solemn occasion.  We are gathered here today to commemorate and honor the brave, courageous and patriotic men and women who served in our nation’s military to preserve and protect our freedoms and liberties.  They did so unselfishly, knowing full well that they may pay the ultimate price in so doing.  Why would someone put themselves in harms way?  I believe they did so because they shared the same sentiments as our Founding Fathers:

"…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”, an excerpt from the U.S. Declaration of Independence; continuing:

"…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor...”.

Thomas Jefferson observed, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants”.

 "Give me liberty or give me death”, exclaimed Patrick Henry.

These are bold and profound words.  These words reflect the principles upon which our nation was based. We should take them to heart as did our Founding Fathers.  Let us not take lightly the sacrifices made by our Veterans in service to our nation. Neither should we let their sacrifices be in vain.

Edmund Burke exhorted, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing”.

Benjamin Franklin stated, "It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority”.

I believe what Benjamin Franklin meant, was that in order to preserve our freedoms and liberties, it is incumbent upon every American Citizen to ensure that our elected officials strictly adhere to the principles of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and be held accountable for any transgressions thereof.  You, as an American Citizen, are responsiblefor the preservation of our freedoms and liberties.  If you aren’t responsible, who is?

Remember well the admonition of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.

We, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457, today honor our Veterans and their family members for their service to our nation.  I ask that you contemplate the words of our Founding Fathers, take them to heart, and uphold your duties as American Citizens.  Thank you all for your attendance.