Memorial day is never a ‘happy’ holiday for me.  I served in a Military Honor Guard, and while I only participated in honoring those who were long since retired, I still understand the sobriety and respect necessary to interning our fallen heroes, even if those I honored were retired. 

I once was asked during one of our Honor Guard details to ride in the hearse holding the urn of the fallen in my hands to the cemetery site.  I was not prepared for the emotions that short ride gave me.  Was he a hero from WW2?  A vietnam soldier who faced a hostile world when his service was done?

It didn’t matter in the end.  He had served, and he was worthy of respect.

The only funeral to affect me more was my grandmother’s when I was given the chance to honor her as pall bearer.

Also sobering was visiting two special places in Hawaii:  The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl and the USS Arizona memorial.  Both should be a mandatory visit for all American’s.

Back to the point, the honoring of our troops particularly those who have fallen, is something I feel strongly about.

This year I have chosen Trace Adkins’ song ‘Arlington’.

I hope you find something in it that touches you.

Trackposted to Blog @ MoreWhat.com, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Nuke Gingrich, Woman Honor Thyself, Right Truth, The World According to Carl, DragonLady’s World, The Pink Flamingo, CORSARI D’ITALIA, and Stageleft, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.