This year Memorial Day takes on a new meaning for me. It is the first since my father was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Although my dad did not die in the line of duty, he did devote a lifetime to the United States Army having spent 35 years on active duty.
If you ever get the honor to visit Arlington National Cemetery and even witness a burial with full military honors, I would highly recommend it. Despite the pain of losing a loved one, a military funeral is like no other. It makes you proud to be an American.
My father was a flag officer, so his funeral was a little more elaborate than most. When I look back at the pictures, it amazes me how many moving parts there were and how perfect the soldiers looked just to honor my dad.
For me, Memorial Day is a day to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but it’s also a time to appreciate the family members that they left behind.
