“On this Memorial Day, I express my profound gratitude to the men and women who served in our Armed Forces and who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
 We are the beneficiaries of their dedication to our nation, and we pledge that we will always remember and honor them.

 “As we pay homage to our nation’s fallen heroes, we also pray for our soldiers who are still in harm’s way in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
 We honor their commitment to our nation and we pray for their safe return.
 

“Throughout our history – from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism – American men and women have answered the call to defend democracy.
  It has not been an easy task and too many lives have been lost.
  But, as we remember our fallen heroes, we are inspired by their dedication to our ideals of democracy and freedom.

“Today, as we commemorate their bravery and service, we must honor them by ensuring that their sacrifices will never be in vain.”