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National Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans Memorial
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They tell us, Sir, that we are weak unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will
it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall
be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual
resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us
hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.
Three millions of People, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and iin such a country as that which we possess, are invincible
by any force which our enemy can send against us. Beside, Sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.There is a just God who
presides over the destinies of Nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, Sir, is not
to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough
to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our
chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable. and let it come! I repeat,
Sir, let it come! It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! -- but there is no peace. The war is actually
begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our breathren are already
in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that Gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet,
as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery! Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take;
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
The United States of America was born from the blood and ashes of war--the Revolutionary War of 1776. It was fought to
defend the "self-evident" truth "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." Those who fought and died were committed to the
notion that government derives its "just powers from the consent of the governed" and that when a government does not protect
the unalienable rights of the people, it is the "Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,
laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect
their Safety and Happiness." Since the war of 1776, nearly two and a quarter centuries ago, thousands thousands of men and women have died for the same
cause. Tyranny does not reign in America--as it does so many places around the globe--becase so many have love their country
more than their own lives.
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Instead of a question and answer, it is appropriate this Memorial Day to salute all those who have given their lives in defense
of this nation. Without their sacrifices we would not be free to ask questions, to challenge our political leaders and to
take an active role in our system of government. To them we owe an unrepayable debt. 
