LET US NOT FORGET

I wrote this message to be delivered during the opening ceremonies of the Green Cove Springs Riverfest 2008 in Spring Park today at 10:00 a.m.   The message is intended for all veterans:

Thank you for being in Green Cove Springs today to help us Celebrate Riverfest 2008. If you are standing next to a veteran, please take a moment to thank them for being here today and to thank them for their service to our Nation. 

Memorial Day is a day of great sorrow.  It is never a good day when we have to remember that a single American Serviceman or woman has perished in battle. 

And yet, Memorial Day is a day of great celebration and happiness.  It is the beginning of summer.  It is a day a fellowship and family.  It is a day of fun.  In Green Cove Springs we celebrate on our beautiful river, which is a symbol of life.  Our Riverfest is a celebration of life. 

Our sorrows and our celebrations co-mingle—they are not incongruent.  Had it not been for the sacrifices of the men and women who are represented by the crosses and flags behind you in our Parade of Flags, our celebration of life in a country with unparalleled freedom would not be possible.   

Our sorrow for the loss of our heroes is manifested in our Celebration of Life.  Our heroes died for a purpose.  We owe our heroes a celebration for that sacrifice.  We owe a debt of honor. 

As we celebrate Riverfest 2008, my colleagues and I on the Green Cove Springs City Council, ask that you embrace our nation’s veterans in your family celebrations.  Our veterans are our living link to the men and women who have perished on the battlefield. Our veterans were the friends and comrades of our heroes.  Our veterans stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our heroes and made huge sacrifices.   

Our Veterans lived to tell our heroes’ stories.  Lend them your ear this Memorial Day.  Listen well so that the sacrifices made by our heroes will echo into eternity.    

This is Riverfest 2008, but this is Memorial Day.  Let us not forget. 

Thank you and may God Bless.

Mike Kelter, Mayor