Memorial Day

WHEREAS, Alabamians join with citizens across the United States in the annual observance of Memorial Day – or Decoration Day as it was originally known – to honor the memory of our nation’s war dead and to show respect for their contributions to preserving democracy and our cherished American Values; and

WHEREAS, the venerable tradition of honoring our country’s fallen patriots was born on a spring day in May 1866 as a tender and loving gesture of remembrance, with upstate New Yorkers placing freshly blossomed wild flowers on the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers in the community of Waterloo, New York; and

WHEREAS, today, 146 years later, it has evolved into a nationwide observance and humble means by which to pay solemn tribute and respect to those who died in service to our country, defending our precious liberties and inalienable rights; and

WHEREAS, on Memorial Day 2012, as we remember with pride and appreciation those who gave their life for America, we extend our gratitude to the tens of thousands of our sons and daughters who currently are at war, fighting an enemy blindly committed to destroying our cherished way of life and the freedom of others struggling to embrace liberty and justice; and

WHEREAS, the history of our nation’s military is one of great sacrifice, and Alabama is rightfully proud of the selfless service and invincible spirit of its most patriotic citizens, as the valor of Alabamians has been displayed in every war and conflict of our nation and visible today in those serving on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, and in other military operations at home and around the world; and

WHEREAS, as we honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we find inspiration in the men and women who gave their lives for the case of liberty – a cause that generations of Americans have embraced as worthy of their devotion of duty, though with immense risks to one’s own well-being and as many Alabamians have died in the war in Iraq and the war against terrorism, their names have been added to the honor roll of patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America; and

WHEREAS, on Memorial Day 2012, let us honor our war dead, let us also remember those who went into harm’s way and returned home to their families and communities and let us pray for those who are presently at war, as it is their sacrifices that have preserved our beloved country that shines brightly as a beacon of hope for all freedom-loving people around the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 28, 2012 as

Memorial Day

in the state of Alabama, and encourage all citizens to preserve the tradition of remembering those who died in service to our nation.

     

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 15th day of May 2012.

 

                                                                   

Robert Bentley, Governor