Ambassador Cloud Commemorates the Service and Sacrifice of Fallen Military Personnel

Ambassador John A. Cloud
May 28, 2008
Macikai Memorial, Silute region, Lithuania

Admiral Macijauskas and honored guests:

It is an honor to be here today to pay tribute to the memory of three American servicemen who have found their final resting place in this field.  Traditionally, Americans use Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, to remember the sacrifices of all who have fought and died to protect the freedoms and values we share and hold dear.  It is fitting that we honor the sacrifices of these three brave Americans alongside our steadfast allies and friends here in Lithuania.  I would like to thank the Lithuanian Navy personnel who are joining us today for this occasion.  You look tremendous and your presence at this event also serves to honor your comrades in arms who bravely serve alongside US and Allied forces in the defense of freedom in Lithuania and far from home.

Both of our great nations have offered up many of our sons and daughters to stand up to the scourges of tyranny and oppression on battlefields across the globe.  Today, we take this time to remember the sacrifices of Staff Sergeant George B. Walker, Staff Sergeant Walter Nies and Technical Sergeant William F. Teaff who died in captivity during the Second World War.  Memorial Day in the United States is a unique holiday as it is not tied to any great battle or the signing of a treaty.  It serves to focus our attention today on those who have already paid the ultimate cost of freedom.  However, I ask you to take this opportunity to also remember those that are in harm’s way today and to redouble our efforts to support our servicemen who are deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans, and elsewhere and to support the families they leave behind.  Let us not forget to cherish our freedom and remember those that preceded us who made it possible.  I would also like to honor the many Lithuanian civilians also buried in this cemetery, who perished at the hands of a totalitarian regime.  Lithuania paid dearly for her own freedom and continues to spread the blessings of liberty beyond her borders.

This year, Memorial Day holds a special significance in Lithuania as one of her sons recently paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his nation, our alliance, and the people of Afghanistan.  The life and the death of Staff Sergeant Arunas Jarmalavicius will not be forgotten.  His sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the meaning of this day and the dear cost of freedom. 

The United States is proud to serve shoulder to shoulder with Lithuanian troops on today’s battlefields. The Lithuanian military has been a stalwart ally and reliable partner in our common efforts.  This Memorial Day, please remember our  heroes of the past and pray for those serving today.  Thank you everyone for your attendance at today’s ceremony.

Thank you.