Growls

For Memorial Day 2008, Mark Alexander began an essay at Patriot Post with quotes -- the first by Nathan Hale and the second by John Adams:

• “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

• "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means...."

Alexander continues:

“Fortunately, millions of American Patriots still reserve Memorial Day to honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen countrymen, who donned the uniforms of our Armed Forces with honor and under oath to defend of our Constitution and the cherished liberties it embodies. On 7 August 1782, General George Washington instituted the first formal military award of recognition for "any singularly meritorious action." It was a purple cloth heart, the predecessor of the now-familiar Purple Heart, which is awarded to any member of our Armed Services who is wounded or killed in combat or combat-related actions. For this reason, the decoration carries the profile of George Washington.

"But our nation's supreme military award was instituted in 1861. That award is the Medal of Honor (No, it is not the "congressional" Medal of Honor, and, no, it is not "won.")"

He then goes on to call attention to “four young men who served in Iraq and Afghanistan  (who) will not be at the malls, nor will they be at the family barbecue” this weekend. “They are Corporal Jason L. Dunham, USMC; Master-at-Arms Second Class Michael A. Monsoor, USN; Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, USA; and Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, USN.”

Their Medal of Honor citations, which Alexander includes, should be a “must read” by every American Patriot.

HT to Mark Levin for the above picture of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.