Posted by
Tom L. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:37:10 PM
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
President Abraham Lincoln
The thirteen patriots listed below (one for each star on our flag) represent the millions of Americans who have given their “last full measure” from Bunker Hill, the Alamo, and Gettysburg, to Korea, Viet Nam and Iraq, and on countless other battlefields, some known, some unknown.
This Memorial Day take a moment to say a silent prayer for all those who have and continue to protect our liberty.
Peter Whitcomb (American Revolution)
James Decatur (First Barbary War)
John McMullen (War of 1812)
Juan A. Badillo (Alamo)
Jacob C. Zabriskie (Mexican-American War)
Walter Standish (Civil War)
Oscar G. Thorne (Spanish-American War)
Palmer Ketner, Jr. (World War I)
Charles Rivers Talley, Jr. (World War II)
John A. Swanson (Korea)
Diane Orlowski Hedwig (Viet Nam)
Thomas S. Perron (Beruit)
Alexis Roman-Cruz (Iraq)