>>From: Jeanie Walsh Williamson ('63)

Re: Our Country, Our Community...our Commitment

Monday is the day we gather to remember those who have served
our country. Memorial Day is a somber day set aside to
acknowledge the loss of so many men and women who's precious
lives were cut short in service of our country---either on a
bloody battlefield or in the ordinary course of performing
their duties, who choose to protect our future with complete
dedication to this country's founding principles.

At the same time, it is also an important day because we are
recognizing that the lives and commitment of so many allow
this great nation, and her people, to live in prosperity, to
experience opportunity, and most importantly, to know
freedom. There is no greater symbol of freedom anywhere in
the world than the American Flag. 

On Memorial Day this year America dedicates the World War II
Memorial in Washington D.C. Eloquent memorials have already
been built on our Capitol Mall to tell the stories of two
other wars fought during the 20th century - the Vietnam and
the Korean Wars. And those memorials make powerful statements
about our history.

But a great chapter of America's history has been missing on
the Mall . . . one that makes a nation's statement about the
largest war the world has ever known. The Second World War
will forever hold its place in the memory of our people. The
sheer historical weight of this war demanded that we place
its memorial between two of the most revered symbols of our
country - between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington
Monument.

Much will be said in praise of the veterans of World War II
before the festivities are over. And many will recall Tom
Brokaw's name for the: "The Greatest Generation." This is
just as it ought to be. The veterans of the Second World War
have richly earned the honor that is coming their way. This
is their moment. The time to honor them with their own
national memorial and all the celebration that surrounds its
dedication is long overdue.

Through my involvement with our local Disabled American
Veterans, I know the men and women of World War II. And I
know the deep concern they feel for another - and much
younger - generation of men and women in uniform: They see
young Americans the ages of their grandchildren and their
great-grandchildren going to war: They are looking at the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan...and the cruelty of the enemies
we face in these far-off lands; They see the danger American
forces face in troubled places like Haiti, Korea, and
Liberia.

They know today's American troops are just as heroic as the
fighting men and women of their own generation ... just as
courageous..just as patriotic...just as committed to the
cause of freedom. And they're worried about the future of
these young soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

For a time last year, there was a rolling cry to "Support our
Troops." We need only to look around us to see that our
troops in far-off places and their families here in our
community continue to need our support. This is a time of
hardship for many military families. Some have been separated
from their loved ones for an agonizing time because of long
deployment. All America is grateful for the sacrifice these
families are making. 

Last year our community of Simi Valley came together to
dedicate our own memorial to past wars where Americans
sacrificed, fought, and died in the name of freedom. And, for
the first time in many years, we also came together to bury
some of our own fallen heroes. Specialist Michael A.
Diraimondo, 22 years of age. 571st Medical Company (Air
Ambulance), 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Killed when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter he was onboard
was shot down during a medical evacuation mission in
Fallujah, Iraq, on January 8, 2004. Corporal Christopher A.
Gibson, 23 years of age. 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Chris
died due to injuries received from enemy action in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq, on April 18, 2004.

I personally want to thank those veterans who are our
classmates. Those veterans who have stood their ground and
laid down their lives, and those who quietly endure the
memories of conflicts past. It is these men and women who
protect our liberty and freedom, which we too often take for
granted, as we pursue our own dreams in this country we love
and call America.

To America's veterans who are reading this today, you are the
best of the best. Please remember that; and know that we will
do whatever we can to make sure others, especially our
children and grandchildren, remember as well. God Bless each
of you.
 
-Jeanie Walsh Williamson (Gold Medal Class of '63)
       Simi Valley, CA
       Home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library