P 251459Z MAY 00  ZYW
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC//CMC//
TO ALMAR
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UNCLAS  //N05000//
ALMAR 023/00
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC//
SUBJ/MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE//
1.  MEMORIAL DAY IS A DAY FOR ALL AMERICANS TO REFLECT ON THE
SACRIFICES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO
ENSURE THAT WE REMAIN FREE.  THOSE WHO HAVE DIED FIGHTING FOR OUR
NATION LEAVE A LEGACY THAT HAS NO PEER - SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE
COUNTRY.  THIS LEGACY PROVIDES TODAY'S SERVICE MEMBERS A COMMON
HERITAGE WHICH WE BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD.
2.  MARINES SHOULD RECALL THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF
DUTY, CHERISHING THE COURAGE AND DEDICATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL
MARINE, SAILOR, SOLDIER, AIRMAN, AND COASTGUARDSMAN.  THOSE WHO
GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THIS GREAT NATION DESERVE THE
UTMOST RESPECT, AND IT IS OUR DUTY TO HONOR THEM WITH DIGNITY
AND REVERENCE.
3.  TO HONOR THE SACRIFICES OF OUR FALLEN COMRADES, THE PRESIDENT
HAS DIRECTED THAT A NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE BE HONORED FOR ONE
MINUTE COMMENCING AT 1500 LOCAL TIME.  DURING THIS TIME, WE SHOULD
PAUSE AND QUIETLY REFLECT ON OUR FELLOW AMERICANS WHO PRESERVED THE
GIFT OF FREEDOM WITH THEIR OWN LIVES.
4.  SEMPER FIDELIS.  J. L. JONES, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.//
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