A tear glistens in the corner of US President George W. Bush's eye as he makes remarks during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, May 26, 2008.
QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Attends Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Commemoration
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, thank you for the kind introduction. Members of my Cabinet, members of the administration, Admiral Mullen, members of the United States Congress, Senator Warner and Congressman Skelton, members of the military, our veterans, honored guests, families of the fallen: Laura and I are honored to be with you on Memorial Day and thank you for coming.
A few moments ago, I placed a wreath upon the tomb of three brave American[s] who gave their lives in service to our nation. The names of these honored are known only to the Creator who delivered them home from the anguish of war -- but their valor is known to us all. It's the same valor that endured the stinging cold of Valley Forge. It is the same valor that planted the proud colors of a great nation on a mountaintop on Iwo Jima. It is the same valor that charged fearlessly through the assault of enemy fire from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq. It is the valor that has defined the armed forces of the United States of America throughout our history.
Today, we gather to honor those who gave everything to preserve our way of life. The men and women we honor here served for liberty. They sacrificed for liberty. And in countless acts of courage, they died for liberty. From faraway lands, they were returned to cemeteries like this one, where broken hearts received their broken bodies -- they found peace beneath the white headstones in the land they fought to defend.
It is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom that the number of headstones in a place such as this grows with every new Memorial Day. In a world where freedom is constantly under attack and in a world where our security is challenged, the joys of liberty are often purchased by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater than themselves. Today we mourn and remember all who have given their lives in the line of duty. Today we lift up our hearts especially those who've fallen in the past year.
We remember Army Specialist Ronald Tucker of Fountain, Colorado. As a young man, Ronnie was known for having an infectious smile and a prankster's sense of humor. And then he joined the United States Army, which brought out a more mature side in him. Ronnie transformed from a lighthearted teenager into a devoted soldier and a dutiful son who called his mother every day from his post in Iraq. In his final act of duty, less than a month ago, he worked with other members of his unit to build a soccer field for Iraqi children. As he drove back to his base, an enemy bomb robbed him of his life. And today our nation grieves for the loss of Ronnie Tucker.
We remember two Navy SEALS -- Nathan Hardy of Durham, New Hampshire, and Michael Koch of State College, Pennsylvania. Nate and Mike were partners in the field and they were close friends in the barracks. Through several missions together, they had developed the unique bond of brotherhood that comes from trusting another with your life. They even shared a battlefield tradition: They would often head into battle with American flags clutched to their chests underneath their uniform. Nate and Mike performed this ritual for the last time on February the 4th -- they both laid down their lives in Iraq after being ambushed by terrorists. These two friends spent their last few moments on earth together, doing what they loved most -- defending the United States of America. Today, Nathan Hardy and Mike Koch lay at rest next to each other right here on the grounds of Arlington.
The men and women of American armed forces perform extraordinary acts of heroism every single day. Like the nation they serve, they do not glory in the devastation of war. They also do not flinch from combat when liberty and justice are embattled. Ronald Tucker, Nathan Hardy and Mike Koch make clear, they do not waver -- even in the face of danger.
And so today, here in Washington and across our country, we pay tribute to all who have fallen -- a tribute never equal to the debt they are owed. We will forever honor their memories. We will forever search for their comrades, the POWs and MIAs. And we pledge -- we offer a solemn pledge to persevere and to provide the security for our citizens and secure the peace for which they fought.
The soil of Arlington and other sites is filled with liberty's defenders. It is nourished by their heroism. It is watered by the silent tears of the mothers and fathers, and husbands and wives, and sons and daughters they left behind. Today we pray for God's blessing on all who grieve and ask the Almighty to strengthen and comfort them today and everyday.
On this Memorial Day, I stand before you as the Commander-in-Chief and try to tell you how proud I am at the sacrifice and service of the men and women who wear our uniform. They're an awesome bunch of people and the United States is blessed to have such citizens. (Applause.)
I am humbled by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice that allow a free civilization to endure and flourish. It only remains for us, the heirs of their legacy, to have the courage and the character to follow their lead -- and to preserve America as the greatest nation on earth and the last best hope for mankind. May God bless you and may God bless America. (Applause.)
Psalms 55:1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
Psalms 55:2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
Psalms 55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.
Psalms 55:4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Psalms 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
Psalms 55:6 So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
Psalms 55:7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah
Psalms 55:8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest."
Psalms 55:9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Psalms 55:10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
Psalms 55:11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
Psalms 55:12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
Psalms 55:13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
Psalms 55:15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
Psalms 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
Psalms 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
Psalms 55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
Psalms 55:19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
Psalms 55:20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
Psalms 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. (NKJV)
DEAR LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY, THIS HOUR AND THIS SECOND.
LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME YOUR SAINTS CAN GATHER BEFORE YOUR THRONE OF GRACE WITH PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR ALL OF YOUR SAINTS NO MATTER WHERE THEY MAY BE OR WHATEVER THEIR NEED.
LORD, WE PRAY ESPECIALLY FOR GEORGE WALKER BUSH, LAURA BUSH, BARBARA AND JENNA BUSH, THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND ALL MEMMBERS OF GOVERNMENT WHO HOLD YOUR TRUTHS CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR YOUR CONTINUED HAND OF GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION IN EACH ONES LIFE.
LORD, WE PRAY EACH BELIEVER LOCKS INTO THEIR HEART THE FACT THAT YOU ARE GOD AND TOTALLY SOVEREIGN, WE PRAY THEY JUST LET YOU BE YOU AND STOP BOXING IN YOUR EMINENCE.
LORD, WE PRAY ALL CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS CHOOSE THE RIGHTER WRONG AND HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW YOU WOULD LIKE THE BETTER GOOD IN AUTHORITY, NOT VOTE BASED ON SINGLE ISSUES, THOUGH TEMPER THEIR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE FILTER OF YOUR WHOLE WORD.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR THIS COUNTRY, A LAND FORMED ON THE PRINCIPALS YOU GAVE US. WE PRAY FOR A RETURN TO A TIME WHEN THIS LAND WAS BASED ON GOD, DUTY AND HONOR.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR YOUR SOVEREIGN HAND OF PROTECTION AGAINST ALL WHO THREATEN OUR LAND.
WE PRAY THAT THE DECEPTIVE LIES OF POLITICAL DESPOTS AND THE MEDIA WILL FALL ON DEAF EARS AND ONLY YOUR TRUTH WILL BE HEARD.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR ALL OF THE DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM, WHETHER HOME OR IN FOREIGN LANDS.
WE PRAY FOR THEIR SAFETY AND WE PRAY FOR COMFORT FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND WE THANK YOU FOR THEIR STRENGTH AND COURAGE IN STAYING THE COURSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR THE COMFORT OF THE FAMILIES OF ALL OF YOUR DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM WHICH WHERE LOST IN BATTLE.
LORD, WE PRAY YOUR VENGENCE IS SWIFT AND HARSH AGAINST THOSE WHO COMMITTED THESE MURDERS AND ALSO AGAINST THOSE WHO HATE THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE OF ITS CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.
LORD, WE PRAY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ISRAEL FROM MUSLIM TERRORISTS.
LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THE SKILL AND FORTITUDE YOU HAVE GIVEN OUR MILITARY WHICH ENABLES THEM TO TURN EVIL MEN OVER TO YOU FOR ETERNAL JUDGMENT.
Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
Jude 1:25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." - Psalm 55:22
Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin. The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly inculcated by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving transgression: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into his place to do for him that which he has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy he will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if he were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to his plain precept, this unbelief in his Word, this presumption in intruding upon his province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God's hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. This is going to the "broken cistern" instead of to the "fountain;" a sin which was laid against Israel of old. Anxiety makes us doubt God's lovingkindness, and thus our love to him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from him; but if through simple faith in his promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon him, and are "careful for nothing" because he undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to him, and strengthen us against much temptation. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. "
C.H.SPURGEON
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
