After the Civil War, "Decoration Day" was created to honor both the Northern and Southern Civil War dead, and celebrate America's freedom and unity once again. Decoration Day became Memorial Day with the original intent in mind.

Writer Rick Moran said, "It might not be a bad idea this Memorial Day to take a page from our forefathers and recognize that those on the other side of the debate of the War in Iraq mourn our losses as well. For this one day, let us be united in recognition of the service these brave men performed and the fact that no matter what you believe, they have given that “last full measure of devotion” to a grateful nation."

As I am reminded time and again, don't forget the Iraqi and Afghan Troops who have stepped up by the thousands, stood next to our great Troops, and fought for the most precious gift ever given to mankind; FREEDOM.

I have read many emails addressed to me from America's greatest, serving on the frontline in Iraq and Afghanistan, praising the efforts of their Iraqi and Afghan brothers, whose families also suffer the same retribution from this lunatic; fanatical enemy. They all seem to understand, as taught to them by our Troops; Freedom is not free, and they seem to have learned this lesson well.

What warms my heart is a memory I have from our 2004 tour of Iraq. As we were driving through Baghdad from one show to another, Capt.Chase Martin pointed out a burned-out Iraqi Police Station. He told us that 20-Iraqi Policemen were killed there weeks earlier. I asked him if that kind of brutality was discouraging to the Iraqi people? Chase shook his head, smile and said, "it had the reverse reaction ... the minute the Police Station had been cleaned up and reopened, over 200-Iraqi's stood in line to take the places of their fallen brothers."

It is the American Troops who are instilling that kind of patriotism into a people who have never known true freedom. Americans understand what freedom means and that it is worth fighting and dying for.

Today we remember all American's Fallen Heroes. We are reminded of the anguish our Civil War Veterans felt as they fought, sometimes, brother against brother, for what they believed in. We remember our Troops heading overseas in the early 1900's to fight in what was called "The War to End All Wars." We thank our World War II Veterans for saving the world! We thank our Korean War Veterans for stopping the spread of Communism for the very first time, and we remind them that we remember and that their war was NOT a "forgotten war." We thank our Vietnam Veterans for serving and we finally "welcome them home," remembering the shameless way we welcomed them home the 1st time. We remember out 1st Gulf War Veterans for liberating Kuwait, and we pray for our incredible Troops who voluntarily answered the call, after our country was brutally attacked and over 3,000 people were murdered in the name of "Extremist Fanaticism" on September 11th, 2001 and we PRAISE these Troops and Veterans for liberating Afghanistan and Iraq and who continue to fight for freedom today.

It is the SOLDIER , not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the SOLDIER , not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the SOLDIER , not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the SOLDIER , not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. 
    
It is the SOLDIER , not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the SOLDIER , not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
 
It is the SOLDIER who salutes the Flag, it is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag, and it is the Veteran who lays under the Flag after paying the ultimate price for our freedom.

CHARLIE GENNITTI, RYAN J. CANTAFIO, CORY PALMER, GEOFF MORRIS, PHIL FRANK, MATT MAUPIN, DEREK ARGEL, KEVIN CLARK, KEVIN GREICO, just to name a few
 
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Below is a note from General James T. Conway, U.S. Marine Corps

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I am pleased to announce the inaugural Marine Week activities held in partnership with the great city of Chicago from 11-17 May 2009.  This is the first of many celebrations honoring country and Corps in  cities across the Nation.

Established to recognize the contributions of local Marine heroes, their families, and the cities from which they came, Marine Week also showcases the rich history and traditions of our beloved Corps.  During the week, citizens will find Marines volunteering at local food kitchens and community parks, inspiring students by sharing their stories of service to their country, conducting intense physical fitness challenges and martial arts demonstrations, and performing with local musical groups.  The Marine Corps will also display aircraft, vehicles, and the latest technology and equipment used to protect and preserve our Nation and its citizens.

As we embark on this journey, I encourage you to salute the Marines serving in your community and accept my invitation to celebrate Marine Week with your United States Marine Corps.

James T. Conway, General, United States Marine Corps

At 10:00 AM on May 12, "The Commandants Own" The Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Silent Drill Team will be at Bolingbrook High School.

On the evening of the 12th, Jon Brant (formerly of Cheap Trick) Ricky Baker (of Rico) and I will open the show at Oak Park and River Forest High School at 6:00 PM.

When will the Marines be near you? Click on the following link
Click here: www.marines.mil/community/marineweek/Pages/welcome.aspx