Association President, Paul Corbin, read the following, written by his Granddaughter:

In 1882 the nation observed it's first official Memorial Day.  Today is our nations 136th Memorial Day.  Sadly, too many people today have lost their connection with their history and think of Memorial Day as just and extended weekend and a day for shopping.  Today is a day set aside to remember the solders that fought for our freedom and the blessings that it brings.  They sacrificed their lives so that the future generations could live in a better country.  From the fight for independence in 1774 to the current war on terrorism, millions of people have served and died for their country.  We give, to all those who took part in defending our country, one day, to let all America hear their stories.  Whether you serve in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, or the Coast Guard, today we solute you.  Take time today and stop to give a moment of prayer to those past and all those still fighting today. We honor you, the US military, you are America's history.

-- Sarah Corbin, age 17

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A couple of related links of interest:

www.usmemorialday.org

www.dday.org