H. Res. 360 - "LEST WE FORGET"

The House of Representatives, again acting like adults, recently passed H. Res. 360. We are reminded, by a Congressional vote of 422 to nothing, that Monday May 31, 2010 is a time to reflect upon and honor America's veterans. Here is the text of that resolution.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

H. Res. 360

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

May 19, 2009.

Whereas the United States has fought in wars outside and inside of its borders to restore freedom and human dignity;

Whereas the United States has spent its national treasure and shed its blood in fighting those wars;

Whereas the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs maintains 128 national cemeteries that serve as the final resting place for nearly 3,000,000 veterans and their dependents;

Whereas each year, millions of Americans visit the national cemeteries, memorials, and markers;

Whereas overseas sites annually recognize Memorial Day with speeches, a reading of the Memorial Day Proclamation, wreath laying ceremonies, military bands and units, and the decoration of each grave site with the flag of the United States and that of the host country; and

Whereas these splendid commemorative sites inspire patriotism, evoke gratitude, and teach history: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives strongly urges Americans and people of all nationalities to visit national cemeteries, memorials, and markers on Memorial Day, where the spirit of American generosity, sacrifice, and courage are displayed and commemorated.

Attest:
Clerk.

The Old Guard escorting the cassion at Arlington National Cemetery

RECESSIONAL

by Rudyard Kipling

God of our fathers, known of old--

Lord of our far-flung battle line

Beneath whose awful hand we hold

Dominion over palm and pine--

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget - lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies;

The captains and the kings depart:

Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart.

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget - lest we forget!

Far-called, our navies melt away;

On dune and headland sinks the fire:

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday

Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!

Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,

Lest we forget - lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose

Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe--

Such boasting as the Gentiles use

Or lesser breeds without the law--

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget - lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust

In reeking tube and iron shard--

All valiant dust that builds on dust,

And guarding, calls not Thee to guard--

For frantic boast and foolish word,

Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord!