Memorial Day

All gave some, and some gave all.

Today marks the day that we observe Memorial Day, the day we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. In that regard, I want to pay tribute to one individual in particular today, Corporal John Henry Pruitt, US Marine Corps.

A member of the 78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, during World War I, Cpl. Pruitt single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. For this action Cpl. Pruitt was awarded our nations highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and was also awarded the Army Medal of Honor. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping at the enemy.

All gave some, and some gave all.

All men and women who have worn the uniform have given some, for which I am eternally grateful, but today is the day we honor those who have given all, such as Cpl. Pruitt. This nation is what it is today because of such men and women who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. I am truly humbled to know that there have always been, and always will be, those who will do what is necessary without thought of self, without thought of medals, without thought of "glory".

To them the Bible verse, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.", truly applies