Jimmy Carter

“ They have given us a gift too valuable ever to repay, save by preserving that peace, that liberty, that America.
We have seen how easily the hopes of peace are dashed. Yet we must keep faith with those who have gone before, with those throughout the world who share our dream, and with the generations yet unborn whose very existence may depend upon the success of our efforts.
We earnestly pray that all the people of the world will join us in our struggle, so that one day all the earth may share the blessings of liberty, justice and peace. ”

“ Today America celebrates peace. We gratefully remember those who gave up their hopes and lives that we might enjoy the liberties they loved-on this day and through all our tomorrows-in peace. We cannot call them back to give them our thanks, nor can we raise a monument to them any more meaningful than the one they have already left us, a free and peaceful America. ”

“ Each generation is called upon to preserve and defend our liberties anew, often with their lives. The fact that their suffering has not yet bought a permanent peace does not make their sacrifice in vain. They preserved that which we hold most dear so that we might strive again for what they sought-a just and honorable peace in which all people settle their differences without bloodshed or oppression. ”