Memorial Day

As we pause this Memorial Day to recollect the true price of our freedoms, may we remember that God has placed upon this great country the obligation of showing the rest of the world just what freedom is about.

Our nation is not just rich in material things. All nations look to us because we can speak out, even in dissent; because we can worship, even in the most ungodly ways; and because we can use our freedoms in all sorts of ways, all the while dreaming of bigger and better things.

America has everything to be used to bring about these better things. But they too have a price, if not to produce them then to protect them. So perhaps, after all is said and done, we come back to the American people, who are willing to share their blessings to feed the poor and hungry, to educate the ignorant and to send medicine to the sick.

But these are our freedoms, our choices and our way. Let no one be deceived into believing these are available for the asking. They often have to be fought for and always defended. The price is high--but worth it.

May our nation continue to be great and beautiful and free. May we be willing to fight for it and share it with the rest of the world. There are so many who know fear and hate and even prisons. Let us be a society that prays and hopes for peace on Earth and goodwill toward all men, women and nations.

MANUEL A. ENERIZ, Camarillo

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Of all the uniquely American holidays, Memorial Day is the most solemn. It is on this day that we honor our heroes.

More than 1 million men and women have died in defense of the United States since the first 95 Americans were killed in the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. These sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers gave their lives so that we may live in peace.

As we march in parades, listen to speeches at graveside ceremonies and barbecue in backyard celebrations, the spirits of our fallen patriots watch over us. Their willingness to die for us is a testament that America stands firm in its commitment to democracy and freedom from tyranny.

There is no doubt that the world remains a dangerous place. No victory, even one has hard-fought as World War II, is permanent. We lost 54,000 brave souls in Korea and another 58,000 in Vietnam. Our observances are that much more solemn with the realization that peace and freedom must be preserved by each new generation.

Today we have 265,000 American troops in 135 countries--including such hot spots as Korea, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Haiti and in the skies over Yugoslavia. In such a world, heroism will always be needed.

Our young need to know the price our heroes have paid and to know that their generation may also be called to duty. The souls of those who paid the price need to know their sacrifice was not in vain.

We do that by remembering those who died in our wars, by honoring their deeds and their memories, and by recommitting ourselves to the ideals that make America the envy of the world.

REP. ELTON GALLEGLY, Simi Valley