I can remember Memorial Day 1956 as if it were yesterday. It was a beautiful day at Golden Gate National Cemetary in San Bruno, California. The sun was shinning, no clouds and mabe it was 75 degrees. My father had just passed away in March of that year and this was my sister and I first trip to his gravesite. I was 10 and my sister was 8. Dad had succumbed to a Brain Tumor too late discovered. His service in World War II qualified him for a spot in this beautiful cemetary.

Shortly after arrival while we were viewing his headstone the services began with speeches from prominant military leaders and then Taps. My sister and I began to cry as the Missing Man Formation flew over and the Flag was lowered to Half Staff. My aunt who had been gracious enough to bring us, hugged us both up and told us it was ok to cry, to go on and let out. To this day I have trouble listening to Taps or attending Memorial Day services anywhere but, I always pull my bootstraps and go anyway.

On Memorial Day as well as Veterans Day I always recall that trip to Golden Gate Cemetary but I also recall my military career and some of the finest men and women I've ever met. Men and women who were willing to die for the sake of freedom around the world. Men and women who left their comfortable surroundings to deploy to foreign lands, sleep in tents (if you're fortunate enough to have tents), eat on the run out of plastic bags, move on a moments notice, live out of a Duffle Bag etc.

Even with all the negative press now days, we still have volunteers enlisting knowing what may lie ahead but, willing to stay the course until the jobs finished. I salute all of you, and I am proud of you, and would be honored to meet all you. All of you are in my prayers.