When Alice Parker worked with us on this piece, she described it is the most powerful anti-war song ever written.
I never fought in a war and I hope beyond hope that my sons (and students) never do either. The profound loss of life breaks my heart. How many leaders, how many artists, how many inventors, poets, Olympians have we lost to war?
Today I honor those who gave their youths, gave their passions, gave their lives for my country. Your sacrifice was profound.
And I hope beyond hope that no more lives need be lost. I hope it every day.