President Obama Honors Veterans at Arlington National Cemetery

President Obama lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark Veterans Day 2011, and thanks veterans for their service.

In Memoriam....Army Specialist Rafael A. Nieves, Jr.

From the Executive Chamber of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, July 14 in honor of a soldier from Albany who was killed in action in Afghanistan on July 10.

Army Specialist Rafael A. Nieves, Jr. died of wounds suffered when small arms fire and a rocket propelled grenade struck his vehicle during a mounted patrol in Paktika province. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I express my sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Specialist Rafael Nieves, Jr.," Governor Cuomo said.

"We join them in mourning the death of this New York soldier and we will honor his service to our nation."

From The G-Man would like to honor Army Specialist Rafael A. Nieves, Jr., his love of country and his service with the following video tribute. May he rest in peace.

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist

President Obama Speaks at Memorial Day Service

The President speaks at a Memorial Day Service at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Day Message from New York's Governor

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo

"Today we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the service of our country. Memorial Day is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of the armed services and express our gratitude for the protection they continue to provide. During this time of war, we must always keep in mind the families who will forever be separated from their loved ones. We mourn their loss and honor the sacrifice of heroes of all generations. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to thank the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, both from New York and across the nation, for their dedicated service."

Memorial Day Salute to Fallen Soldiers

Honoring Lives Lost....and Sacrifices Made

Memorial Day

By Joyce Kilmer

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

Video uploaded to YouTube by yellowrozeoftexas