This is a speech that the Mayor of Beatrice, Nebraska presented during the Memorial Day ceremony held 29 May 2006 at the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska.

We gather here today to remember and honor all who have died in the service of our country. Today, let us also especially remember our fallen son Darren howe who recently gave his life in Iraq to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. His brave sacrifice should never be forgotten and we should all be grateful for his service to out great nation.

Since the earliest days of our history, America's Armed Forces and their families have paid the price for freedoms and privileges that we, as a Nation, all enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Memorial Day gives us a unique opportunity to not only honor the dead but to pause, honor and say "Thank You" to those who have and are currently serving and their comrades who are missing in action.

Service in the Armed Forces of one's country puts one's life at risk in many different ways. It could be exercised through an order "to take that hill", in the face of withering machine gun or mortar fire, or assault a heavily fortified beach in normandy. Let us not forget the risk to those who do the more mundane but equally important duties of military service. Those who rebuild and reopen schools, hospitals and roads. Or those who uncover mass graves and provide for the proper internment of the victims of vile and evil men. Regardless of where of how one serves, the risk to their life is an inherent part of serviing and is omnipresent.

History records that it is the politicians, and those in power, who start wars and that it is the men and women of their Armed Forces who pay the price of those wars. It is a price paid in separation, stress, blood, suffering, anguish and, sometimes, death by those who have and are currently, serving in out country's Armed Forces and their families.

For that we owe those who have and are currently serving in the Armed Forces our undying gratitude, honor, respect, and support, not only on Memorial Day but every day we as a Nation enjoy the fruits of their efforts, sacrifices and service.

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