Behind every scheme to make the world over, lies the question, What kind of world do you want? The ideals of the past for men have been drawn from war, as those for women have been drawn from motherhood. For all our prophecies, I doubt if we are ready to give up our inheritance. Who is there who would not like to be thought a gentleman? Yet what has that name been built on but the soldier’s choice of honor rather than life? To be a soldier or descended from soldiers, in time of peace to be ready to give one’s life rather than suffer disgrace, that is what the word has meant; and if we try to claim it at less cost than a splendid carelessness for life, we are trying to steal the good will without the responsibilities of the place.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Address Delivered on Memorial Day, May 30, 1895

On this day, let us remember those to whom we first pledged that we shall not forget. Thank you, all of you who pledged your lives and blood to make the world a place of miracles and blessings for the rest of us.

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