Memorial Day at Arlington

A Presidential Tribute

By Rick Horowitz

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have produced "a new generation of heroes" whose sacrifices will never be forgotten, President Bush told a Memorial Day gathering here at the nation's most famous burial ground.

In a somber wartime ceremony attended by families of the fallen, the president paid tribute at Arlington National Cemetery to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

"Today we honor the warriors who fought our nation's enemies, defended the cause of liberty, and gave their lives in the cause of freedom," said Mr. Bush. "We offer our love and our heartfelt compassion to the families who mourn them."

Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Policy, the president acknowledged that no words of comfort would suffice to ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones in America's latest conflicts abroad. But he insisted that those losses would not be in vain, and he praised all those who have answered the call to duty.

"For seven generations, we have carried our fallen to these fields. Here rest some 360,000 Americans who died fighting to preserve the Union and end slavery. Here rest some 500,000 Americans who perished in two world wars to conquer tyrannies and build free nations from their ruins. Here rest some 90,000 Americans who gave their lives to confront Communist aggression in places such as Korea and Vietnam.

"So 3,500 or whatever the latest number is isn't really all that terrible."

The president praised the advances in medical care that have kept the current fatality statistics modest compared to past wars, and he predicted that the benefits of these advances would ultimately be felt throughout society.

"It used to be when a soldier lost a limb, an arm or a leg, other folks would stare at him and he'd be embarrassed," the president said. "But nowadays, they can just go on with their lives with a prosthetic, and most folks won't even notice." And Mr. Bush foresaw a day when "artificial legs will be as ordinary as eyeglasses."

As the president spoke, the fresh headstones of Section 60, a new section of the cemetery set aside for those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, stood nearby as silent reminders of the cost of war. But Mr. Bush said he looked forward to a time when "the cruel dreams of tyrants and terrorists are frustrated and foiled."

"When the villains are vanquished and the evil-doers are erased," the president continued, "that will be a glorious day for presidential speechwriters and all who love liberty."

The president's motorcade from the White House passed within sight of protesters calling for a rapid end to the war in Iraq, now in its fifth year. Mr. Bush took note of the opposition in his remarks, suggesting that the ability to protest was just one of the advantages enjoyed by a free people.

"These protesters, whoever they are and whatever party they belong to, they have a perfect right to want to surrender to killers and thugs that have vowed to destroy our way of life. But as commander in chief, I have to decide differently, and that's why we're fighting them there, so we don't have to fight them here."

Mr. Bush declined to hazard a guess as to when American troops would no longer find themselves in harm's way, calling the defense of liberty "our country's calling" and "our country's destiny."

But to those still mourning loved ones gone forever, the president offered the thoughts of a grateful nation:

"Good to see you, wouldn't want to be you."

Posted 5/29/07. For holidays and all year long, click to "Rick's" for the best in commentary!

Rick Horowitz is a syndicated columnist, TV commentator, writing coach and public speaker.

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