05/25/2026
On this day when we remember the Gold Star families and pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we remember the words of Jesus "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)
The words of a familiar hymn ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee) seem especially appropriate:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside let freedom ring!
My native country thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love. I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills. My heart with rapture thrills like that above.
Let music swell the breeze and ring from all the trees, sweet freedom's song. Let mortal tongues awake. Let all that breathe partake. Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
Our Fathers' God to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing. Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light. Protect us by thy might, great God our King.
