Memorial Day began as a day to honor and remember soldiers killed in the Civil War, but now, in every national and state military cemetery, American flags are placed on the graves of all who have served.
On this sacred day, walk around in one of those cemeteries and read the names etched on marble gravestones. Reflect for a moment of their service, and their all too often, very brief lives. Quietly thank them, or render a salute if you have also served.
As you walk those hallowed grounds, you’ll see elderly siblings standing by the grave of a brother killed decades ago in the jungles of Vietnam in places too difficult for younger generations to pronounce – Ia Drang, Ap Bac, Khe Sanh.