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The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
~ Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
November 19, 1863

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The above words may have referenced one specific battle and struggle in our history, but I think they speak to all the wars our nation has fought. May we find increased devotion to the cause of freedom as we remember our war dead. Not only yesterday, but every day.

We attended a Memorial Day Ceremony yesterday, in Vancouver. The Marine Corps provided the rifle squad to render honors. You can see a Patriot Guard member in the background, as well as a troop of Young Marines. The War Memorial for the county is also in the background.

This kid cracks me up. That is all.

I like mine. I'm blessed to be surrounded by a bunch of handsome men. :)

Black and white version.

Found these tiny little flowers...thought they were rather fancy with their little wisps trailing backwards.