Bush On Memorial Day: Nation Must Persevere

WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush said the best way to honor America's war dead is to complete their mission.

In a Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery, he said "their sacrifice will always be remembered by a grateful nation."

About 270 men and women who have died since Sept. 11, 2002, are buried at the cemetery.

"We have seen the costs in the war on terror that we fight today," he said.

Bush also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in what he called a "sign of our solemn gratitude," adding that he is "in awe of" Americans who sacrificed for the country's freedom.

At the sprawling cemetery where more than 300,000 people are buried, Bush said the fallen service members show "the price of our liberty."

He visited the cemetery to "honor this place where valor sleeps," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says throughout American history, "citizen-soldiers answered those who doubted our country's cause with grit and with gallantry."

Rumsfeld said service members have shown America is not "a fading nation."

Rumsfeld said the victims on the 9/11 jet that crashed in Pennsylvania were likely inspired by the bravery of America's war dead.

Rumsfeld also urged Americans to "be grateful for a commander-in-chief, a historic leader, a selfless leader."

Anti-gay protesters tried be heard at the Arlington event.

A small group of members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas have gained notoriety by disrupting military funerals with demonstrations claiming U.S. war dead are retribution for American tolerance of gays.

They were confronted by a group called FreeRepublic.com, who a spokesman said showed up to counter the anti-gay group.

"Their hateful message isn't welcome here," he said.

The counter-demonstrators waved signs including one that says "thank a soldier for your freedom."

Passersby weren't impressed with the Kansas group's message, which included singing "God hates America" to the tune of "God Bless America."

"Shut your mouth," one woman yelled at them.

"Read your Bible," said another man.

Bush Monday signed legislation aimed at keeping the Kansas group away from military funerals.

Meantime, Americans around the country observe tradition as they honor the nation's war dead, have barbecues and head for parks, beaches, lakes or mountains.

Hot and humid conditions are expected in many areas, with temperatures reaching the 90's along the East Coast.

On Sunday there were ceremonies in advance of the holiday.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg marched in a parade in Queens with veterans and current military personnel.

In Minneapolis, there was a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Today, women veterans will be honored at Fort Snelling.

And in New Orleans, parts of the Chalmette National Cemetery reopened yesterday to pay tribute to veterans who lost their lives while serving the country. The cemetery had been closed since Hurricane Katrina hit last August.

Also in New Orleans, Memorial Day took an additional meaning for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

People who died in the storm and those who lost their homes used the day to memorialize the tragedies following the storm. A special ceremony was held at the levee along the city's 17th Street Canal.

In the Lower Ninth Ward, residents, supporters, and people who lost love ones in Katrina gathered at the Industrial Canal for a remembrance service and walk to pay tribute to the more than 1,000 victims of the storm.