R 251502Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 263/12
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: MEMORIAL DAY 2012
1. Shipmates, Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember our fallen
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Merchant Mariners, and Coast
Guardsmen.  By taking the time to attend to the manners of our
profession, we respect the service of those women and men who gave
their lives fighting in our Nations wars.  We owe them an eternal
debt of gratitude.
2. As we reflect upon those who gave their last full measure of
devotion, it is also important that we pay tribute to all our women
and men in the Armed Forces currently standing the watch, many of
whom are in harms way, fighting to preserve our freedoms.  It is
their dedication to duty that secures our Nation.  It is their
commitment that protects us.  It is their service that inspires us.
It is our duty to honor them.
3. The names of our lost heroes are etched on the Coast Guard World
War Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and on other memorials throughout
our nation and around the world, many in locations where you might be
surprised to find them.  I encourage Coast Guardsmen to visit the
Coast Guard Historians website to find the memorials near you, and
make a point to visit one.  If you find a memorial that is in need of
some care, there is no better way to honor our lost Shipmates than to
tend to it, as a unit or on your own.  You can link to the website
at: http://www.uscg.mil/HISTORY/FAQS/USCGMEMORIALS.ASP
4. Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant, sends.
5. Internet release authorized.