Remembering

One of my favorite times of the year just passed - I went to visit my mom and dad and brought them flowers. Veterans of World War II, my mom died 32 years ago and my dad two years ago. It gives me an awesome feeling to see by the time I have gotten to their graves that the local legionnaires have already been there and left a flag and a legion emblem - in appreciation for the time they served in the army.

I make the time each year to place flowers on their graves as well as the family members that I never had the chance to meet, dating back to the late 1800s. My parents always did this job at the cemetery and I feel that while I am still here that I need to carry on this tradition. It makes me feel good and I know my parents would be pleased.

My parents always used to buy fresh flowers but the three Minnesota cemeteries I visit won't allow fresh flowers any longer. I usually end up having to buy new flowers each year because I am unsure of the time span that the flowers can remain and I once again get too busy to make another trip up there to retrieve them. I don't know about other cemeteries but I always enjoy seeing flowers in the Buena Vista Memorial Cemetery, all year round, and I like that.

Memorial Day is also the time to feel such a great love for this country and have respect for all the soldiers - men and women - that gave their lives in the line of duty during the wars, the too many wars, that our country has been a part of and to those that returned safely with stories that they have kept bottled up because they are painful to talk about.

Taking in the Memorial Day program hosted by the Alta VFW and Ladies Auxiliary is also part of my routine. There are some pretty awesom people in that organiztion that I am happy I have met.

There are many VFW and legion-related organizations. I have noticed that the majority of the members are from the World War II era; Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans are beginning to step up. How awesome it would be to end the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and never have another war again - but even if that would happen, those millions of veterans who volunteered to serve in the military still need to be remembered.

I would hate to see the Memorial Day programs, like those that were just held yesterday, disappear. The flying of the flags, the decorated graves the tears are all part of the day.

Forget that most people have a day off from work. Memorial Day is for the veterans, those we know and those we do not know. I will always remember. God bless America.