Today we honor all of the men and women who valiantly gave their lives for the freedom and privileges we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. We honor as well, all of those men and women who served us without falling victim to the battlefield, and those who continue to serve our nation here at home and abroad.

I especially remember my two vets: my son, Simon Benkovic, who served in both Korea and Iraq, and my husband, Anthony, who served during the Vietnam era. Both were proud to be veterans of the United States Army.

May those who gave their lives for the principles and truths expressed in the Constitution of the United States be at peace, and may they be experiencing the joy of eternal happiness in the presence of the Triune God.

Thank you for your service. Thank you for your lives.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And may the perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Note: The above image is a photograph of the six American soldiers who hoisted our nation’s flag on Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima and the key battleground in the Pacific War. This historic photo renewed national morale and rapidly became the public symbol of the US WWII war effort. It remains a symbol of hope, freedom, inspiration, and national sovereignty.