Memorial Day

By Daren Lewis

Shipmates,
As we prepare to observe the sacrifice of those Americans who gave their lives in service to our country on Monday I know many of you will be honoring them by your own service this weekend. Whatever your plans, in uniform or getting a bit of well deserved refresh time with your families, I ask that you keep the fallen in your thoughts.

To that end I suggest two readings, the first from our Commandant, Admiral Papp - ALCOAST 270/11

http://www.uscg.mil/announcements/alcoast/270-11_alcoast.txt

The second is by one of my favorite authors, Admiral James Stavridis (Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe). Admiral Stavridis gave a speech at the Intrepid Air & Space Museum upon receiving the Intrepid Freedom Award. In the speech he reflected upon the sacrifice of our fallen through their own words and those of their families. It is the most powerful statement about Memorial Day I have ever read.

http://useucom.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/the-words-they-leave-to-us/

Whatever your plans for the weekend be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren