The Last Full Measure of Devotion

Today is Memorial Day. Yesterday was the day that I really spent 'memorializing'.
We went to the cemeteries and placed flowers and remembered our family that have gone before us. The real emotion of the day was Sunday morning. I watched the weekly TV broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This week Donny Osmond was the guest vocalist. That may sound a little goofy. It did to me. However, it was anything but goofy. It was one of the most patriotic and emotional performances I have ever witnessed.
Donny sang a piece titled, "The Last Full Measure of Devotion". While singing they showed video clips of the newly dedicated World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. My chest swelled with patriotism and emotion. I am so grateful for the over 400,000 souls that gave their lives in World War II to put down a facist dictator in Europe and a ruthless hegemon in Asia. I am grateful for the over 800 souls who in recent days have laid down their lives to oust a nasty evil dictator in Iraq. Over a hundred thousand are still in harms way, trying to bring peace and democracy to over 50 million people. They are also laboring to chase down and put out of existence the evil terrorists that plot to destroy America and democracy. My heart and tears go out to them. I have never before felt the desire to serve my country like I have these last few years.
I am grateful to each Man and Woman, each US soldier that has given their own, 'Last Full Measure of Devotion'. And to those thousands that stand on the precipice. That stand on the edge of eternity ready to give their last full measure of devotion, I give my gratitude and my prayers.