Flags fly for fallen soldiers

On Memorial Day, Americans pay tribute, recall sacrifices — and hit the road

By KAREN MATTHEWS - The Associated Press

Veterans and active soldiers unfurled a 90-by-100-foot U.S. flag as the nation’s top commander in the Middle East spoke to a Memorial Day crowd gathered in New York’s Central Park on Monday.

Navy Adm. William Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, said America should remember those the day honors. “Their sacrifice has enabled us to enjoy the things that we, I think in many cases, take for granted,” he said.

Across the nation, flags snapped in the wind over decorated gravestones as many paid tribute to their fallen soldiers.

Millions more kicked off summer with trips to beaches or their backyard grills. AAA estimated 38 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more during the weekend — up 1.7 percent from last year — even with gas averaging $3.20 a gallon for self-service regular.

In Washington, motorcycles driven by military veterans and their loved ones roared to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was the 20th year the group, Rolling Thunder, has taken to the streets in support of the U.S. military.

SOMBER PRESIDENT

President Bush spoke at nearby Arlington National Cemetery, honoring U.S. troops who have fought and died for freedom and expressing his resolve to succeed in the war in Iraq.

“From their deaths must come a world where the cruel dreams of tyrants and terrorists are frustrated and foiled — where our nation is more secure from attack, and where the gift of liberty is secured for millions who have never known it,” the president said.

‘GOING GOT TOUGH’

At Fort Bragg, N.C., the commanding general of the Army’s Green Berets said the troops who have died around the world were “soldiers we could count on when the going got tough.” Thirteen Green Berets who died during the past year were honored, as were 109 former Green Berets who died during the period.

“We always could count on our Special Forces brothers to be there with us, regardless of the odds against us,” Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko said.

A ROSE TO REMEMBER

At a Memorial Day ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse, Cindy Butler placed a rose beneath the state’s official wreath in honor of her son, Sgt. Jacob Butler, the first Fort Riley soldier killed in Iraq. She was joined by Joe Butler, Jacob’s twin brother.