COMMANDER COLLINS' MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

My fellow Sons, AMVETS family members, and friends,

In 2002, then Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld opened his Memorial Day statement with the following words. “Ever since Memorial Day was established in 1868, Americans across the land have gathered together to remember, in ceremony and sacred observance, all those who, in the words of one soldier-poet, "tasted death in youth, that Liberty might grow old."

He also shared the words of Henry Ward Beecher who eloquently reminds us that "They who die for a good cause are redeemed from death." "Are they dead," he asked, "that yet move upon society and inspire the people with nobler motives and more heroic patriotism? ... Let gladness mingle with your tears". "It was your son (daughter), but now they are the Nation's. They made your household bright; now their example inspires a thousand households."  

As we spend time with our families and friends this Memorial Day weekend, I strongly urge everyone on Memorial Day to join over 20,000 Sons of AMVETS nationwide to pause, reflect, honor, and remember the over 1.1 million who made the ultimate sacrifice during the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM. It is our duty to carry on this solemn tradition, and by remembering the sacrifice of those who died can we fully appreciate the price that was paid for our liberty and freedom.

May God bless you all and may God bless the United States of America.

Harold Collins

Commander

National Sons of AMVETS