Name: Author creates book of iconic business signs in, around Charlotte
Uploaded: 2019-07-23T20:04:00-0400
Duration: 176977
Description: Scott Mason, the Tar Heel Traveler, has been to some classic and iconic buildings. Sometimes, the signs are landmarks themselves. A man in Charlotte has published a book of those many signs.

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It may be a dreary start to the day, but will there be a chance for the sun to come out tomorrow? WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell is tracking a chance for the sun to peak out and when our warm weather returns.

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Scott Mason, the Tar Heel Traveler, has been to some classic and iconic buildings. Sometimes, the signs are landmarks themselves. A man in Charlotte has published a book of those many signs.

Jason O. Boyd

Author creates book of iconic business signs in, around Charlotte

Charlotte,Tar Heel Traveler,business,good news

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

I'm meteorologist Kat Campbell in the severe weather center, the same low pressure system that's been setting and spinning over the Carolinas, bringing the dreary weather is staying put for a little bit longer. It will weaken over the next couple of days. Your Monday high, only 71 at R D U 70 in Fayetteville and the triangle area South saw a lot of drizzle. We'll continue to see this pattern for the next few days as low pressure slowly starts to weaken, but we are going to see a lot of cloud cover here. Tuesday, starting out cloudy or mostly cloudy with perhaps some showers Wednesday, just a small chance for rain. But again, more clouds in the morning, maybe a little sunshine for the afternoon, a similar pattern, but with less rain Thursday and then Friday, hopefully seeing a bit more sunshine by then. But during the afternoon, that's your best bet for seeing some sunshine mixed in during the mornings. We've got this flow off the Atlantic and that's going to help a lot cloud cover to build in early in the day. Your Tuesday cloud cover forecast about 90% of the sky should be covered with clouds in the morning. And then during the afternoon, it's about 70 to 75%. So we do see some improvements later in the day, but we could see some showers and maybe even an isolated rumble of thunder. That chance about 40%. Tuesday, 30% on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are driest days if you need to get some yard work done with just a 20% chance for rain. but no day this week looks like a wash out. So I think most days you'll be able to find a period of time to get outside and get some of the yard work done. Future cast for your Tuesday morning showing cloudy skies to start and a small chance of a Sprinkle, it would be a low impact rain. I would not expect this to have a big impact on any of your plans in the morning or your commute lunchtime into the afternoon. That's when we have these scattered showers that develop may be an isolated rumble of thunder for the areas that see some sunshine to heat up the atmosphere. Otherwise though it is partly to mostly cloudy during the afternoon, 74 degrees are forecast high. If we do see a little more sunshine, we could overperform more clouds in some areas would underperform. So it's really cloud cover dependent temperature wise, Wednesday, a little less in terms of the rain, still mostly cloudy to overcast to start with some clearing later in the afternoon and just a 30% chance of a spotty shower showing up. By Wednesday, temperatures are normal high. This time of year is 83. We're only in the mid 70 S Tuesday and Wednesday. But by Thursday, Friday and Saturday, some warmer air returns. High temperatures climb back into the low to mid 80 s though it's likely to be temporary if you're a fan of the warmer weather though Thursday and Friday look like some of the best days to get outside this week. Saturday, we do have a chance of an isolated thunderstorm returning and then behind that system, temperatures could fall closer to the upper seventies by the end of the weekend.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Good evening. I'm Gay. Welcome to tonight's drawing for this memorial day, Monday, May 29th, 2023. Well, let's get started tonight with our Carolina pick three. Our first winning numbers are two. Our second number is three and our third number is five and our pick three. Fireball number is one. Joining me for tonight's drawing is our auditor from Thomas and Gibbs of the Carolina pick four. Good luck. Everyone here's our first winning pick four number. It's a nine. Our second number is a nine. Again, third number is eight for number is to and our pick for fireball number is four. We're turning now to the Carolina cash five. If no one wins the top prize tonight, tomorrow's top prize is estimated at $521,000. Good luck. Everyone here's that first winning cash five number. It's a 42. Our second number is 35. 3rd number tonight is sweet 16. Our fourth number is 25 the final number in our cash five. Tonight is 11. The North Carolina Education lottery has contributed over $9 billion to education. Thanks to your support. Get your winning numbers. Right here every night in your exclusive station for the North Carolina Education lottery. Thanks for playing. Have a good night and a Happy Memorial Day.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

This is the first year Raleigh's Memorial Day service will be held in the Veteran's Field of Honor located inside the cemetery. A dedication to the new Field of Honor is expected to occur at the event.

Charles Guch, who is with us today. Also, we're very fortunate to have both of them who have served our country well, they served together in France and I would repeat some of the stories. However, there are Children present today is a very important day and people sometimes wish Happy Memorial Day, but Memorial Day is not a happy day. It's a solemn day. It's a day where we honor those who have served and lost their lives. There are quite a number of people here in Oakwood who have done that. We're very fortunate to have here. Lieutenant Harry Watson. Harry Watson was the first Raleigh citizen who died in world war one and he's buried here. We also have Lieutenant Henry Spragg Silver. My grandfather who died at age 31 from mustard gas injuries that he suffered in world war one. He received the distinguished service cross. That's the number two award following the medal of honor. I also learned this morning that I have a cousin in Asheville. Lieutenant John Overton, who was also awarded the distinguished service cross. He was awarded that he was killed in France near the Argo Forest in 2018. I was fortunate enough to be in France for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War One. I was fortunate also to have a special tour of bellow wood, the cemetery where the Marines earned the name Devil Dog. We're also very fortunate to have the Raleigh Young Marines here as our color guard. Very special. One of our former young Marines is a corporal in the Marine Corps having just served at marine barracks eight th and I in Washington with the silent drill team. If any of you are aware of the Silent drill team, they post the colors and drill silently at eighth and I in Washington every Friday night during the summer. Next year is the 1/100 anniversary of Memorial Day. Its first celebration was here in Oakwood Cemetery. So I encourage all of you next year. For Memorial Day. Please come and see our 100 th anniversary celebration. I'd also like to um, explain to you that the reason we are here in this area this year is that we filled the field of honor. We have over 300 military people, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines buried in our first field of honor and it is full. So we're very, very excited about having a new area to honor those who gave their life in service to our country. I also like to thank the Second Marine Air Wing Band. I served at the Second Air Wing in New River in North Carolina. In 1969 I'd like to introduce Lieutenant Colonel Doug Wendle who will give our invocation. I invite you to pray in your faith tradition. As I pray in mine, gracious Lord. We gather on sacred ground and we take time to remember those who serve our great nation. This place is a visible reminder of service, a symbolism of freedom and a memorial to those who willingly place the needs of others above themselves. We gather where the fallen continue to serve. They serve as an inspiration to the preservation of liberty and is a solemn reminder to the living. They remind us that we as Americans that even regardless of our age, our race, our beliefs, our professions, we too can stand up and fight for the cause of good and for the liberation of the oppressed. They remind us that it's no easy task to serve. It's even a greater realization to know that this duty can require one to leave family and to face certain danger. A danger that includes death or the cause of liberty. They remind us of your eternal attributes of honor, courage, selfless service. Most importantly, Lord, they remind us of your word, which says there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life, for another father. We are grateful for them and we are grateful for those who continue to serve, standing ready to defend freedom. It is in your holy and saving name that I pray. Amen. Gary. Ready? Good God. No, I us. Oh, great. Both great, both detail. Go on my God. So ready. What, what uh uh left, right left. Oh, right. Oh, great detail. Oh, order ready. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. indivisible with liberty and justice for all. OK. Uh Please be seated. Welcome, General Dan mcneil. That is her. Well, thank you, Charlie. Good afternoon. And I might also say to Charlie Semper Fi, God bless all here and thank you for the privilege to speak 15 years ago. And after many years of commission service, I retired from the United States Army a few weeks before I retired, the American Republic celebrated its 232nd birthday. It boggles my mind to think that on the day of my retirement, I had served the nation for roughly 1/6 of its history. My point is this, the American experiment in democracy is yet young and in some ways, those democratic ideas or fragile, those principles of ideals can be protected only if men and women of character and resolve, dedicate themselves to the pursuit of liberty and the blessings which ensue from the grace of God. Let us not forget that. And I asked for the Lord's blessing and I might say something that's meaningful to someone with an earshot for today is Memorial Day and I am an American soldier, albeit in a retired one. I wasn't an active American soldier for 40 years. I always will be an American soldier. I make that statement not because of ego rather because I give thanks for having had the opportunity to stand in front of among and behind American warriors. It is my duty to carry the torch for the men and women who came home, not carrying their shields rather they were born upon their shields by their comrades. The life of a soldier is a life committed to service from the words of Isaiah. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and who will go for us? And I said, here am I send me? And they, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coasts of the United States are out there being all they can be guarding the seven seas in our shores out in the wild blue yonder. Sr Pyla, always faithful and semper always ready to the man and woman. They are volunteers. They stand between you and tyranny because they choose to stand there. Not because a tyrant without moral compass or conscious or humanity has made them stand there. And if I might paraphrase Robert Frost, two roads diverge in a wood and I, I took the one last travel by and that has made all the difference. Remember this, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast had a choice. They chose to serve. They took the road less traveled and for that, we should be grateful. The men and women of America's armed forces come from many cultures and they practice many faiths. They share beliefs and they differ in beliefs. But of this, I am certain after my 40 years of service and continued connection with soldiers. As a veteran, most all of them have a concept of fearlessness best defined by the words found in Deuteronomy, be strong and courageous, do not fear or be in dread of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you. Our prayers on the occasion of this weekend should be for the battle dead to be sure. But also we should fervently pray for the safe keeping of the men and women who are out there in the uniforms of America's armed forces, day in and day out defending the Constitution of the United States of America and who are thus a major group of the guarantors of our right to assemble in peaceful pursuit and assembly among the other in a rights we often take for granted and our prayer should include petitions that more men and women will answer the call to serve in uniform like the call for more to don the cloth of a cleric or to serve in public office or to teach our Children, your armed forces are challenged to find sufficient numbers of qualified people to serve. And I have spent this past week with the soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division. 25 years ago, I became commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. That legendary outfit was formed as an infantry division in the early days of America's involvement in the first world war shortly after its activation. Someone observed that within that division, soldiers from all 48 states were serving Ergo. They became known as the All American Division or the All Americans. At the outset of World War Two, they transitioned to a parachute division. The name was designated to the 82nd airborne Division in the decade of the seventies. When I was a young officer serving in that division, the commander general of the 82nd decided that the families of the paratroopers should see the All Americans own parade. The event grew into a four day exercise that included contest of military skills, amateur boxing, physical fitness and athletics. The entire division stood parade on the Thursday morning before the Memorial Day weekend began. And this year they had about 19,000 out there. And if weather permitted on Friday morning, there would be a parachute jump involving 5 to 600 all Americans descending from the sky. At one time, the veterans of the 82nd have always been invited to return to Fort Bragg soon to be named Fort Liberty and to observe the activities of all American League, I suppose. I participated in perhaps 14, all Americans weeks as a serving soldier and almost that many as a retiree. Now, within all American week, there's a memorial service to remember the fallen all Americans. It's held on the grounds of the 82nd Airborne Division war Memorial Museum where there are a number of monuments inscribed with the names of those brave warriors. And yes, I have served as speaker at several of those services and I have been in the audience of many more though somber and tenor and hushed in tone. Those services have been as uplifting as they have been said, gold star families that is the families of the fallen were invited to come forward and place a flower at the base of the monument. The scene will break the hardest of hearts if one was to let it do so. But most of us who serve beside those men and women know these incontrovertible truth. Even if their bodies were broken by combat, they were again whole, their selfless service to our nation almost certainly assures them a place in paradise and they are holding the far bank of the river to ensure we have safe passage across. When our time comes. Now, the all American chaplain will utter several fitting prayers and the speaker will make the utmost poignant remarks. But from my perspective, the songs of the All American Chorus are the most spiritual part of the program. Now, the All American chorus is comprised of soldiers, 30 or so from throughout the ranks of the 82nd. Some are from the infantry, some from the artillery, some from the engineers, some from helicopter units and so forth. They are ordinary soldiers who possess extraordinary voices and abilities to make music. This past week they performed two selections and those who know me know that I cannot carry a tune in a 55 gallon drum. But permit me to read parts from each selection. The first is from Requiem for a soldier. And it goes something like this. You never lived to see what you gave to me. One shining dream of hope and love life and liberty with a host of brave unknown soldiers for your company. You will live forever here in our memory. And then from honor to serve the story of Admiral Jeremiah Denton. Long term P O W in the Hanoi Hilton. As they lifted the flag at the front of the crowd. I watched him stand up and bring his hand to his brow. Oh Lord. Help me remember what true honor means and no matter the cost to stand up and sing, it's an honor to serve, to join in the fight, to lift up my voice and to lay down my life, giving glory to God, seeking none in return. It's an honor, an honor to serve. And this from a plaque I've recently seen an inscription, they shall not grow old as we that are left, grow old age shall not weary them. Nor the years condemn at the going down of the sun. And in the morning, we will remember them a few months back. Marie and I joined our son Dan and his wife, Sarah and our granddaughters Paige and May for the spring break in one of the world's most beautiful cities, Washington DC. Yes. Uh By the calor, it was indeed spring break, but the weather those days was anything but spring time. Nevertheless, Sarah and Dan made sure the girls had complete immersion in contemporary American history. Now, even in the cold windy low cloud weather, the night tour of the Washington DC monuments is a beautiful experience. And by the way, if you have grandchildren, Planet World, the New Museum of Languages is an absolute must. I cannot say that page and May were as impressed by the World War Two and Korean memorials as they were by the spy museum. But for me, the Korean war memorial at night has a real but ghostly quality. So late in one of the days, we made our way to Arlington National Cemetery so that Paige and Maeve could see not only the graves of presence and strong women, but the places of eternal rest for thousands upon thousands of American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast too many of them friends of ours. And as we made our way to the tomb of the un known soldier, light snow and frozen rain began to fall. There were the six of us and three other people and that's it to witness the last changing of the guard in that daylight period. It seems almost right to say so. But it was a beautiful experience and we were so proud of how respectfully our granddaughters comported themselves as you surely know. The only inscription on the tomb is this here rests in honored glory, an American soldier known only to God. But it should it be my decision. And on the basis of my service with American soldiers, there would be an adjunct to that description that would say blessed are the peacemakers for. They will be called the sons and daughters of God. Now, so thought a trip to Charlottesville and Monticello would break up a long drive back to Charlotte where he and his family live into manageable portions. So we continued the history tour on the grounds of the home of the Great American President Thomas Jefferson. And the next day, we went on to the grounds of the University of Virginia and the rotunda. So that page and may might see that a university is not unique to wait for us. They all their mother and father, while the girls course the quad I took in and took in the surrounding dorms for the honors college. I found a plaque on the south wall of the rotunda which was commissioned by the classes of 1919 and 1920. And the seventh society, it was dedicated to those who, who gave their all in the First World War. And so I come to my clothes and I come with a request today, if you are able to do so decorate with flowers or flag the grave of a fallen American warrior. And if you cannot do that, then go on youtube and listen to requiem for a soldier are honored to serve and think about the men and women for whom those words were written. And if you cannot do that in practice, what is in the inscription on that bronze plaque on the south wall of the rotunda, they shall not grow old as we that are left, grow old age shall not weary them, nor the years condemned at the going down of the sun. And in the morning, we will remember them. And for the men and women we honor today, pray that they will rest in peace or, or pose and that they shall not have died in vain. Thank you for the kindness and generosity of your attention. God bless all here. God bless the American Republic and God bless those who defend the Republic. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. I'd like to ask command Sergeant major gooch to help me place the wreath today before the chaplain gives an invocation. I'd like to invite all veterans here. There's a table over here with poppy seeds and there are little American flags around our new section of the field of honor. And if you would um see Robin, our director over here, we'd love for you to plant some poppy seeds for our field of honor. Let us pray. Heavenly Father. This place humbles us for. We have benefited from their sacrifice. We are generations apart from many who rest here. We have endured different wars as fellow citizens and warriors. Yet we gather today continuing to enjoy the freedom and realizing that we owe a great debt to all who have made it possible. This is sacred ground ground set apart for a few ground that is not freely given. It is a ground that is a reward for those who have earned it. And we remember them today. Lord, you are a God of the nations, not just America. So give us a spirit and strength to defend our constitution and redeem others who attempt to destroy what you have established, give us a patriotic spirit for a just cause and future warriors grounded in the understanding of liberty and the realization of its preservation. And we ask for your wisdom and hand of grace to seek you and accomplish your perfect will. And we look forward to that day as promised in your word when nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. It is in your holy, an eternal name. We pray. Amen. Yeah. Right. He was good. Yeah they are not. No bye. I know and if that yeah and dinner. Good to see you, sir. Good to see you too, dude. Take care of yourself. I know where to run you down next time. I am. Ok. I drive. Yeah we did too. Right. So they Yeah yeah. Yeah. Mhm. Sure. What another no like yeah, thank you. Thank you sir. I don't mean to get interrupted there. Wonderful talk. Thank you. I thank you.

Memorial Day ceremony at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Good afternoon. I'm Tina Cash with today's lottery drawings for Memorial Day, May 29 2023. Our first winning number in the pick three today. Two, followed by one. Our third pick three is three and our pick three. Fireball number is eight. Joining me for today's drawing is our auditor from Thomas and now it's time for the Carolina pick four. So check your tickets. Here we go. Eight is our first winning pick four number followed by one. Our third pick for today. Six. Fourth winning number is nine and our pick four. Fireball number is seven. The North Carolina education lottery has contributed over $9 billion to education and thanks for your support. Get the winning numbers every day at three and again at 11 22 every night.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

After participating in the wreath-laying ceremony, President Biden spoke as part of a Memorial Day address.

Please be seated, this language, distinguished guests, General Mark Milley. Mr President, Doctor Biden, madam, Vice President Mr Hoff, Secretary Austin, fellow joint chiefs of staff and spouses, distinguished guests, fellow Americans, and most importantly, gold star families. Welcome to all. Today we join in remembrance of the 155th observance of memorial day is a day of profound significance in the legacy of our nation. On this day, we remember the over one million Americans who took their last breath on the bedrock of liberty, supporting the eternal cause of freedom, their unwavering commitment, their dedication to freedom, their echoes through the ages, reminding us of our sacred duty to remember and behind every one of these men and women is a family, a husband or a wife, a mother, or a father, a brother, a sister, son or daughter. For these families, every day is Memorial Day and they each carry on the dreams that are fallen, could never fully realize this land where we stand today once housed 3/4 sentinels which overlooked and defended Washington DC. But now it serves a more solemn purpose. It is the final resting place of our nation's bravest a quiet testament to their sacrifice. We gather on these sacred grounds where over 400,000 are buried here at Arlington National Cemetery is 85 sections. They tell the story of our nation. A narrative not written in ink but written in valor and sacrifice. This cemetery paints the picture of the cost required for all of us to remain free. Some here are buried amongst their family and legacies which transcend generations. Others are best friends who fought together, died together and now lay an eternal rest together. Their bonds forged in battle unbroken even by death. Yet our nation's fallen are not only represented on these hallowed grounds. They are represented on every piece of land where American blood has been spilled in the service of our country. Sailors lie forever entombed in a twisted hall of the US S Arizona resting in the seabed at Pearl Harbor and the white headstones of 9387 Americans enshrined outside Saint Laurent. So in France, overlooking the sands of Omaha Beach, as well as the more than 81,500 Americans who still remain missing our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who have never returned home. The search for these missing will continue until they are all brought home. It is our final solemn promise to these heroes, their families and to our nation. Each of these Americans epitomize our tradition of honor the ethos which defines our armed forces and defines our nation individually. They represent the single life, cut short life events never accomplished. We feel their absence in the very depths of our hearts. But together they represent the indomitable spirit of the American military. They are a permanent reminder that freedom is a gift to us all. A gift paid for by those who gave in the words of Lincoln the last for a measure of devotion. And today, today we honor them, we remember them and today we say their names and in doing so, we ensure their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We will forever walk among these giants as we continue to uphold the cause for which they died, the cause of America which will endure through all challenges. In fact, the the greatest honor that we can bestow upon those who have fallen the way to remember them. The best is to ensure that this idea of freedom, that the constitution of the United States of America. The idea that is America will continue for our posterity and shall not perish from this earth. Thank you, distinguished guests. The United States Navy band and the Sea chanters chorus will perform. This land is your land. As I went on highway, I and the sky away, I saw this land was made for you. It slide that yeah of my food to the sparkling signs of her time in town and oh voice was so sun will be. And when the sun yeah just play. They. Oh, yes, yes, distinguished guests, the honorable Lloyd Austin. Well, let's give the band and the chorus another round of applause. That was absolutely outstanding. Well, good morning President Biden, Doctor Biden Vice President Harris Mr Imhoff, distinguished guest. I am absolutely honored to be here with you this morning and thank you, General Milley for your leadership, to our gold star families and to all who remember a fallen American hero Today. I know that each memorial day brings new waves of both pride and pain and on behalf of the Department of Defense, please accept our country's deepest gratitude for all that you have given and our deepest sympathies for all that you have lost. We pledge again today to ensure that you and your families have the support that you need and deserve. You will always be a part of our military family and we hold in our hearts. All those who fail to defend the country that they love. Each of them has a story. And one of the stories of the graves here at Arlington belongs to chaplain Charles Waters. He was a Catholic priest who signed up to serve during the Vietnam War and to support his teammates in body and soul. And after a year long deployment, he volunteered to extend his tour for another six months in one November day in 1967 his battalion hit fierce fighting and chaplain waters ran unarmed into the battle exposed to mortar fire, bullets and automatic weapons. He helped get wounded soldiers to safety and he gave last rights to the fallen. At one point, he saw a US paratrooper in shock in the line and in the line of enemy fire, chaplain waters hoisted the paratrooper on his shoulders and carried him to safety. Tragically later that day, chaplain Waters was killed and for his extraordinary heroism, this paratrooper patriot and priest who volunteered twice wants to serve and wants to extend his tour was posthumously awarded the medal of honor. This year our country celebrates the 50 th anniversary of our all volunteer force in the life of Charles Walters. Charles Waters offered a preview of the vigor and the valor of the American warriors who have chosen to step up and serve from 1973 until this day, our all volunteer force has blended military power with moral power and combine the force of American arms with the strength of people who freely choose to stand guard over our democracy. In 1970 the Gates Commission recommended eliminating conscription and its formal report predicted that an all volunteer force will strengthen our freedoms and our armed forces. And it did every time a qualified American stands up and raises their hand and serves with honor from any corner of the country, from any background, color or creed. This exceptional nation becomes even safer and stronger. Every fallen hero has a story. It is our duty to remember those we have lost. It is our honor to stand with their families and it is our sacred obligation to remember all that you have given. So let us strive to honor the memory of our fallen by writing the next chapters in American America's story of service. Let us stand with all who pledge their lives to defend human freedom. And let us come together as one nation to strengthen our democracy. Ladies and gentlemen, our commander in chief has long been a champion of our men and women in uniform and of the military families who serve right alongside them. And on this day of sorrow and service, it is my absolute honor to introduce the president of the United States. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, please. 155 years ago, retired Union General James Garfield spoke here at Arlington marking our nation's first Memorial Day, standing amid rows and rows of marble stones, many of his own fallen soldiers among them. He asked, what brought these men here? What high motive led them to welcome death? And he answered his own question, our nation's life, my fellow Americans, Jill, Vice President, Harris, second gentleman and Secretary Austin, Secretary mcdonough, Secretary General Milley, and uh most importantly, veterans, servicemen and women and their survivors. Today, we once again gather in this sacred place at this solemn hour to honor fallen heroes to once again stand amid the rows and rows of marble stones and bear witness to the brave women and men who served and sacrificed for our freedom and for our future, those who died. So our nation might live every year as a nation we undertake this right of remembrance. We must never forget the price that was paid to protect our democracy. Must never forget the lives. These flags, flowers and marble markers represent a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a sister, a spouse, a friend and America. Every year we remember and every year it never gets easier to all those here and across the nation who are grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, our gold star families for all those with loved ones still missing, unaccounted for. I know how painful it can be, how it can reopen that rip open that black hole in the center of your chest. You feel like you're just sinking into bringing you back to that, that exact moment. You heard that knock on the door where the telephone ring, the exact moment you had to tell your Children and mom or dad would not be coming home. The heart is still real. It's still raw. Tomorrow marks eight years since we lost our son. Be our loss are not the same. He didn't perish in the battlefield was cancer that stole him from us a year after being deployed as a major in the United States Army National Guard in Iraq as it is for so many of you. The pain of the loss is with us every day, but particularly sharp on Memorial Day. Still clear. Tomorrow's his anniversary. But so is the pride chill and I feel his service is if I can still hear him saying, dad, it's my duty, dad. It's my duty duty. That was the code. My son lived by and all those you lost live by. It's the creed and millions of service members have followed from the fields of York Town to the shores of Normandy, to the rice patties of croissant, to the valleys of Kandahar in the mountains of Sinjar and beyond, many of whom never returned home throughout history. These women and men laid down their lives, not for a place or a person or a president, but for an idea. Unlike any other idea in all of human history, the idea, the idea of the United States of America, this sanctuary honors that sacrifice and tells their stories. And in turn, it tells our story, the American story, the story of the patron who died to deliver a nation where everyone is entitled to certain inalienable rights, among them life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. The story of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who shed their blood to make these words real story of the brave Americans who fought the forces of fascism and died for preservation of democracy. As we're reminded by the hundreds of grades here in section 60 of Arlington and across our nation. The story of the women and men who sacrificed everything to keep democracy safe and secure during the last two decades. Each of them, each of them a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding fathers in those days, unbreak, unbending, not just in their duty and devotion, but something even deeper and their faith in us, for faith in us that we will be worthy of their sacrifice. Our service members have always embodied the highest expectations of our democracy. They've always held faith in our country and all that. We could be a citadel of liberty, a beacon of freedom for our democracy is our strength. The wellspring of possibilities and the source of endless, endless renewal. It's how we've been able to constantly change and adapt through the centuries. It's why we've always emerged from every challenge we face stronger, then we entered it. It's how we come together has one nation united and why there's nothing we can't do in America when we do it together. It's the truth. We celebrate this year's remark, we mark 75 years of a desegregated military, 75 years of women's full integration. 50 years, all voluntary force throughout the annals of history. Our troops have fought for our democracy and if necessary died for it today, their service and sacrifice and that of their families that goes far beyond those silent stones out there. We've seen the strength of our NATO alliance built from the bars that we forever forged in the fires of two world wars. We see it. The troops still standing Sentinel on the Korean Peninsula, preserving peace side by side with our allies. We seen every base, every barrack, every vessel around the globe where our military proudly serves and stands as a force for good in the world. And just as they've kept the ultimate faith to our country, to our democracy, we must keep the ultimate faith to them as a nation. And people have heard me say this for a long time. As a nation, we have many obligations. But I believe in every fiber on my beam, we have only one truly sacred obligation to prepare those we send into harm's way and care for them and their families when they come home and when they don't, it's a sacred obligation, not based on part of your politics, but on a promise, a promise to unite all of us. There is nothing more important, nothing more sacred, nothing more American together. Over the last 2.5 years, we've worked to make good on that promise. Passing more than 25 bipartisan laws to support our service members for families, caregivers and survivors. That includes the Pact Act. Most significant law in our nation's history, tell millions of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances and burn pits during their military service pitched the size of football fields that incinerated the waste of war such as tires, chemicals, jet fuel and so much more to many of our nation's warriors who have served only to return home and suffer from the permanent effects of this poison of smoke. Too many have died. Excuse the personal reference like my son Beau or like sergeant first class Heath Robinson, for whom the actor's name last year after I signed the Pact Act, I handed the pen to his daughter. Real she and her grandmother are with us today. After I handed her the pen, this beautiful little girl is sitting over there. Thank you, Raymond baby. We lost half of her world. Her whole world held a pen in her hand and looked at me and said, thank you for my daddy. Thank you for my dad. God, love you, honey. But I don't think she was just thanking me. She's thanking all of us. Everyone who fought so hard who came together to keep our promise to our veterans, to keep the faith of our heroes. On this day, we come together again to reflect, to remember. But above all, to recommit to the future. Our fallen heroes fought for that generation of service members who died for a future, grounded in freedom, democracy, equality, tolerance, opportunity, and yes, justice. You use those words all the time we've seen of late here and around the world that they have to continually be fought for. Not just for some, but for all this is more important than just our system of government. It's the very soul of America, a soul that was forged by our nation's first patriots, a soul that triumphed over our trials and testing less then a century later, a soul that endured because of the sacrifice of generations and generations of a service members ever since. Together, we're not just the fortunate inheritors of their legacy. We must be the keeper of their mission, the bearers of the flame of freedom. I kept burning bright for nearly 247 years. That that's the truest memorial to their lives. Our actions every day to ensure that our democracy endures. Our constitution endures and the soul of our nation. Our decency endures ladies and gentlemen, 100 and 55 years ago, our ancestors stood here and asked themselves what brought our heroes to this hallowed ground? What high motive led these brave souls as General Garfield said to welcome death. Today, we must ask ourselves, what can we do? What must we do to pull the vision for which they lived in which they died today? It's on all of us, all of us to ensure that sacrifice was not in vain to keep working toward a more perfect union. One where all women and all men are created equal. We're the only nation in the world built on an idea. Every other nation is formed based on things like geography, ethnicity, religion. We're the only nation in the world built on an idea that we are all created equal. We haven't always lived up to it, but we've never walked away from it. And today standing together to honor those Americans who dared all and gave all for our nation. We can say clearly, we never will. God bless all those who gave their lives so our nation might live. God bless their families and may God protect our troops today and always thank you distinguished guests. Please stand for the playing of taps and the benediction. Please receive this closing prayer. God, those were such solemn tones that mean so much to us as a nation. I pray that you grant us the grace to never forget and to lead lives worthy of the price paid on our behalf by those who have gone on before and those who continue to serve God with all humility. I thank you for your goodness to this nation, to our service members and their families. As our president has stated, God, we have a soul and I pray that you would help us to align our faith correctly. And God preserve the soul of this nation, preserve the souls of those that serve with great expectation. I ask you to protect them now, wherever they may be for, some are in harm's way this day and many are separated from the ones they love, bless our government, its leaders and provide Godly counsel and wisdom. To guide us in your will. God, please do bless America, this nation that we love so much. It's in your holy name. I pray. Amen. Please remain standing for the singing of God bless America, performed by the United States Navy band and C chanters chorus. Right from the bar. No, to the bar. Distinguished guests, please remain in place as the official party departs and the colors are retired.

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Wow. Right. Wow. Car an I, there has been. Yeah. Oh, why not? Yeah. Be one, is that ok? Yes. And we can take people to this park that we don't have and police.

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From this. That's fire. Oh whoa, whoa, I need to go. I need to go back. You can't see him who haul as well. Just haul as us. Go, go, go, go, go, go, go. It's gonna go. No, no gonna be ok. Don't worry, put this down. If you want me to drive I can drive. Oh you ok. Who can know further? Ok, so no, not at all but right. Took it there. All right. Is that sound? No, that's no problem. I think she said.

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