COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dr. James Dobson releases the following statement in reflection of Memorial Day, celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2017:
“National holidays come and go, but sometimes we as Americans forget why we celebrate them. Let me ask you, for example, if you know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? The first is to honor the men and women who died in defense of their country. The second holiday is devoted to today’s veterans. It is intended to express appreciation and respect for those who are still alive and have served faithfully in the nation’s Armed Forces. We owe both the living and the dead a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
As I hope you know, we are just a few hours away from Memorial Day, set aside to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all the nation’s wars and conflicts occurring from the Revolutionary War under George Washington’s leadership, to the most recent fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these fallen warriors have willingly faced death so that the rest of us can enjoy safety, security and prosperity at home. It is not enough that we devote this Memorial Day to barbecuing hamburgers or playing rounds of golf or getting together with friends and family. We must not forget the significance of this Day on behalf of those who have defended our liberties with their blood.
It is also our obligation to teach our children the meaning of the sacrifices being made by their grandparents, their parents, and their heroic ancestors long dead. Those who are deployed far from home must help their sons and daughters understand why we honor the ones they love. Our educators should also play an important role in teach patriotism and national pride to the next generation of Americans.
Before eating our family dinner, perhaps we should hold hands and sing these immortal words together: ‘My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing: land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring…Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by thy might, great God, our King.’”
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Dr. James Dobson is a celebrated psychologist, Christian leader, and Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk.” He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised four U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. He is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Website | www.drjamesdobson.org Twitter | @DrJamesCDobson
