May is a time of remembrance for the women whose children have been torn from them, and the tenderness of their affections in honoring the loss of these children ripped from their embrace in the name of war. Abroad today we are faced by opposition to the military occupation of sovereign nations by most of the world that stands in opposition to this foreign policy. Again and again the cause of freedom and sovereignty is sullied by our reluctance to bring the armed forces, and its supporting regiments of services home where we belong. 

Mother’s Day was created by the women who lost their children in the Civil War and as we remember the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it is appropriate that we recognize the rights of women to protect their families, and for their loved ones to come home to them safe and sound. We cannot stand for and allow any nation’s indiscriminate violence against other women and children around the world in the name of democracy.

In this time of remembrance let us stand and wave a banner that says, “Children, daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers, great and small, we salute you, and in your name we honor you by asking for peace in this time now, and in all lands forever more.” The greatest warrior is she who rises to embrace his brother and sister and to remain standing with her with his arms around her shoulder as long as she asks to be comforted and consoled. Let us Rise and rising march on, march on in peace together.