I was walking to the gravesite of my Grandfather. He has been gone for quite awhile, and to be honest, I wish I got to hear more of his stories. I would have loved to have known his experiences in the Navy and what he actually did, the places he actually seen. I only have bits and pieces of a memory of him, only because I was so young when he was around. I remember seeing him, but never actually having any stories sink in, or at least to the point where I could have appreciated them. I know of him, through everyone else, but it is always better to hear stories first hand. I wish he could have been around longer, and I wish I could have known him better.

On this very special Memorial Day, it is a great time to reflect on all those who came before us, who served our great country with honor, dignity, and most importantly valor. For all of those who made that voluntary sacrifice, and have moved on to the next world, with or without the sight of combat……. thank you.