This year, across the country at more than 2,200 participating locations like this one, there are millions of Americans gathering together safely as one nation to Remember, Honor, and Teach. We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries through this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.
The United States of America was founded on the ideals of Freedom, Justice, and Equality. Our Nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.
Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have had and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people around the world. Many of you have answered that call and served your country well. We are here to say “Thank you” and we are honored to know you.
There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away that most of us have never heard of. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred, and injustice.
Quoting our 40th United States President Ronald Regan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we REMEMBER the Fallen, HONOR those who served and their families, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.
Remember, we are not here today to “decorate graves.” We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.
These live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation, and to their families who endure sacrifices everyday on our behalf. To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free, but have come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself.
As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred, and injustice. Thanks to our Veterans, we have the freedom to do just that.
Above is the speech written for Wreaths Across America Day by Commander Pieratt. Below are some images from the wreath-laying event that took place on 19 Dec 2020 at Evergreen Cemetery in East Wenatchee.
