US Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard of the Coral Springs Cadet Squadron presented the colors and a wreath to Major General W.S. Read and Scott Brook, Mayor of Coral Springs

Memorial Day was observed today, marking a time to reflect and remember service men and women who have died in military service to their country.  Originally called Decoration Day, the national holiday started first to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.  

After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action, in remembrance, honor and respect of all service men and women who have given their lives for freedom.

Memorial Day puts us in touch with our patriotism, our pride and our understanding of who we are and how we came to be a nation. 

A time Americans take a clear look at both our past and our future. One day each year, when we acknowledge the debt we owe to those men and women who - because they cherished peace - chose to live as warriors.

They cherish freedom, so they sacrifice their own that we may be free. They defend our right to live as individuals, yet yield their individuality in that cause. Perhaps most paradoxically of all, they value life, and so bravely ready themselves to die in the service of our country.

For over 200 years our military has provided a bastion against our enemies. In that time, our world has changed and our armed forces have changed with it, but the valor, dignity, and courage of the men and women in uniform remain the same. The fighting spirit of the American soldier permeates the history of our nation.

But why are we so seemingly willing to fight?  The answer to that question is as simple -- and yet as complex -- as the soul of America itself.  We fight because we believe.  Not that war is good, but that sometimes it is necessary.  Our soldiers fight and die not for the glory of war, but for the prize of freedom.  We choose to remember the past because the price for forgetfulness is dear.

As we remember these brave warriors and their comrades in arms on this Memorial Day, we must look to the future as well as the past. In today's world, freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty.  

America still relies on her sons and daughters to defend her liberty. The cost of independence remains high, but we are willing to pay it.  

We do not pay it gladly, but we pay it with deep reverence and thanks to those who have sacrificed their lives for America. We know that in the years to come, more brave souls will sacrifice their lives for America. We include them in our thoughts and prayers today.

 Cadet Squadron Commander Alex Sage, kate Jones and Troy Odierno