Paying Tribute to Heroes: The Way Previous Presidents Have Honored America's Departed on Memorial Day
Memorial Day Speeches Across the Years: A Presidential Tradition
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a longstanding custom, U.S. presidents honor fallen service members on Memorial Day, often conducting solemn wreath-laying ceremonies and delivering poignant speeches in sacred grounds, such as Arlington National Cemetery and the American burial ground in Normandy, France.
Although Memorial Day is often associated with a three-day weekend and retail sales for many Americans, presidents take the opportunity to remember military members who died serving the country.
The following is a selection of recent U.S. presidents' Memorial Day speeches, highlighting their gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ronald ReaganIn 1982, President Ronald Reagan acknowledged the "sense of wonder and mystery" that arises when standing amidst the graves of American heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. He also recalled the impact of visiting military cemeteries overseas, where each white cross or star of David marked a fallen American soldier.
Bill ClintonDuring his Memorial Day address in 1998, President Bill Clinton encouraged Americans to commit themselves to a future worthy of the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.
George W. BushPresident George W. Bush addressed the public at Colleville-sur-Mer, France, in 2002, emphasizing that the sacrifices of service members would never be forgotten by the American people.
Barack ObamaOn Memorial Day 2011, President Barack Obama stated that the nation owes a debt to fallen heroes that can never be fully repaid but must be honored.
Donald TrumpIn his 2018 Memorial Day speech, President Donald Trump expressed gratitude for the heroism displayed by fallen service members of various races and creeds, united by their love for the United States.
Joe BidenIn 2022, President Joe Biden emphasized that Memorial Day serves not only as a day to pause and remember, but also as a call to action, asking Americans to come together and act worthy of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.
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In 2022, President Joe Biden spoke at Memorial Day, emphasizing that the day serves not just as a reminder but also as a call to action, asking Americans to come together and act worthy of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.
Meanwhile, in unrelated news, a Norwegian man had a close call when a cargo ship ran aground near his home. (Source: [Link])
