137 years later Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.

Americans admire a people who can scratch a desert and produce a garden. The Israelis have shown qualities that Americans identify with: guts patriotism idealism a passion for freedom. I have seen it. I know. I believe that.

We the People recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights that our destinies are bound together that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me a freedom without a commitment to others a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism is unworthy of our founding ideals and those who died in their defense.

There have been nine Super Bowls in New Orleans and not all of them have brought the best of luck to NFL Films. We got robbed twice there got food poisoning and my hotel room was broken into on the day the Bears played the Patriots in January 1986.

Our government has kept us in a perpetual state of fear - kept us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervor - with the cry of grave national emergency.

One if you attack my integrity I will defend myself. If you attack my patriotism I will defend myself. If you come after my family I will counter-attack viciously I will destroy you.

There will be trying times during Obama's presidency and liberty will need staunch defenders. Can Obama reshape liberalism to be as it was under F.D.R. a fighting faith unapologetically patriotic and strong in the defense of liberty? That would be a service to our country.

Of course Americans have no monopoly of patriotic enthusiasm and good faith.

Ann Romney makes all women proud by the way she has conducted her life as a strong woman of faith as a mother as a wife and as a true patriot.

I think Hispanic community - the values that resonate in our community are fundamentally conservative. They are faith family and patriotism. Do you know the rate of military enlistment among Hispanics is higher than any demographic in this country? And they are also hard work and responsibility.