Memorial Day

For many families, Memorial Day means a long holiday weekend spent at the beach or lake, a backyard cookout and extra time to spend together. As the daughter of an Army soldier, Memorial Day for me as a child was about honoring and remembering America's heroes - the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. On all of the military bases where we lived, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops decorated the graves of veterans with American flags every year for Memorial Day. This year, my Dad's grave will be among those decorated on Memorial Day. Dad served his country with pride and honor for 28 years, serving during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as in times of peace. Although I can't be there, my nephews will be among the Boy Scouts decorating the graves at the military cemetery in Kansas where Dad's buried. Whether you attend the Memorial Day observance at Monument Terrace or the National D-Day Memorial, spend the day at Arlington National Cemetery or another military cemetery or spend the day with your family, please remember those who answered the call to protect and preserve freedom and liberty for all. Thank you, Dad. May you and all of our departed heroes rest in peace.