[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[May 25, 1992]
[Page 819]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 819]]

Radio Address to the Nation on Memorial Day

May 25, 1992
    For many, Memorial Day signals summer's arrival. Families will pull 
out the picnic baskets and charcoal grills and head for the beach or the 
park. But more importantly, Memorial Day is one of our Nation's most 
solemn observances.
    On this sacred day, we honor those Americans who died fighting for 
freedom. We pause to remember, to think about the meaning of the loss of 
brave men and women who did not return from the battle. And in 
cemeteries all across this great land, people will place flags or lay 
bouquets on quiet graves ``where valor proudly sleeps.''
    On this day, we must tell the stories of those who fought and died 
in freedom's cause. We must tell their stories because those who've lost 
loved ones need to know that a grateful Nation will always remember. We 
must tell their stories so that our children and grandchildren will 
understand what our lives might have been like had it not been for their 
sacrifice. The thousands of us who fought alongside brave friends who 
fell will never hear ``Taps'' played without remembering them, nor will 
their families and friends.
    So, let us remember the cause for which these Americans fought and 
the freedom and peace bought with their life's blood, and let us pass 
along to a new generation the awesome accounts of honor and courage. On 
Wednesday at the Naval Academy's commencement, I will talk about how the 
great victory of freedom in the world is a vindication of the American 
ideal. And I will remind those graduates that democracy is not our 
creation; it is our inheritance.
    These reminders are important, for as someone said, ``Memory 
performs the impossible for man, holds together past and present.'' So 
then, we who are left must nurture the sacred memories of those who paid 
the ultimate price. And we must let their sacrifices give meaning and 
purpose to our Nation's future. Because they fought, we have freedoms 
many all too often take for granted. And because of their sacrifice, our 
children can sleep soundly without the threat of nuclear war hanging 
over their heads.
    May God bless the families of all whom we honor. And may God bless 
the United States of America.

                    Note: This address was recorded at 8:05 a.m. on May 
                        21 in the Cabinet Room at the White House for 
                        broadcast after 9 a.m. on May 25.