As we gather on this Memorial Day, it is a time to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by our brave service members, many of whom walked among us as Turtles, embodying our spirit of camaraderie, courage, and commitment. Today, we honor those who have given their lives so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms and privileges of our great nation.
Being part of the Turtle Club means we understand the importance of sticking our necks out, just as our fallen heroes did. They embraced the fighter pilot attitude that defines us—fearless, pure-minded, and ever ready to defend the values we hold dear. Their ultimate sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the true cost of liberty.
Freedom is not a gift bestowed lightly. It has been secured through the unwavering dedication of those who have answered the call to serve. Each flag that flies today, each marble marker, tells the story of a Turtle who believed in something greater than themselves. They believed in the American dream, and they were willing to fight and die to protect it.
Their sacrifices are a testament to the highest ideals of our nation. Let us remember the words of Scripture: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” These brave Turtles have done just that, ensuring that our freedoms endure.
As Turtles, we honor their legacy not just with our words, but with our actions. Let us pledge to keep the spirit of the Turtle alive by being strong, wise, and ever-vigilant in the pursuit of peace and liberty. Let us ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
In their honor, I leave you with a poem:
Guardians of Freedom
In shells of courage, hearts so bold,
Our Turtle kin, their stories told,
They faced the storm, they took the stand,
To guard the freedom of our land.
With valor pure, they soared on high,
Beneath the stars, the open sky,
For liberty, their lives they gave,
Their memories, our hearts engrave.
In their great deeds, we find our light,
A torch of hope, burning bright,
Their legacy, a guiding flame,
Inspire us to do the same.
So let us vow, with heads held high,
To honor those who dared to die,
For in their memory, we see,
The price of freedom, land of the free.
God bless our fallen, their families, and the men and women in uniform all over the world.
