Throughout the world, America is known as the land of liberty - where every man and woman can enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, and the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. But we must never forget that we live in 'the land of the free' because America also is 'the home of the brave.' On Memorial Day, we pause to pay tribute to the members of America's military services who gave their lives in service to our nation.
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From Valley Forge to Normandy, from Vietnam to Afghanistan and the Middle East, American men and women have given their lives in service to their country. Because of them, America is more than ever an example for the world, forever striving to reach the ideals that define us as a nation.
As Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, I join President Bush in asking you to remember, honor, and pray for these defenders of democracy who served and died for our country. May our lives and our love of country forever reflect the nobility of their sacrifice.
Please join your friends and coworkers on Tuesday, May 27th, for HUD's 2003 Memorial Day Ceremony. The event will be held on the HUD South Plaza from 10:00 to 10:30 AM, to honor brave members of America's military services who gave their lives for their country.
Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson will deliver special Memorial Day remarks, and will be joined by the Armed Forces Honor Guard, Military District of Washington, D.C.; Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Roy Bernardi; Gregory Bresser, Chairman of the HUDVET Advisory Committee; and Richard Schneider, national Director of Veterans and State Affairs, Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America.