To my Uncle Harry who died in WW I at the age of 22. Not many remember him anymore, but I do.

To my Uncle Jim, who didn't die in battle, but was pilot of a tanker plane that exploded after fueling a jet in mid-air. That was back when that concept was new.
And to the memory of all the deceased who have served in our armed forces.

In memory of my complicated, gifted, late father who served in the Army during World War II. He went to Europe and fought for freedom and democracy -- even though our American troops were then racially segregated.

Dad got our house thanks to help from the GI Bill after that war.

Both of my grandfathers, Geron Brown and Howard Sparks, served in the Pacific during World War II.Neither lost their lives during the war. My cousin Howard Spires is currently on his second tour of duty in Iraq. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the soldiers and their families.

Lovely idea, Barbara! To my fil who served in the Navy in WWII. To two uncles (Marines) and a brother (Army) who served in Vietnam. To another brother (Air Force) who never saw action but really loved fixing fighter jets .

To my (deceased) brother Ramon, who was a Marine in Korea (and the funny letters he sent to my mom about boot camp)

My prayers and thanks to all that are away serving for our country. We fly our flag proudly today and every day for you.

Very nice idea, Barbara. My father was in WWII but they discovered he had a heart problem and he never went over there. It hurts whenever I of a service person dying or hurt because of the current war.

Wow there are so few who have posted here! For my uncle who served in Korea For my best friend Kim's dad who grew up in the not-nice part of Louisville and enlisted as an escape. He then managed two tours in Nam, Korea and a couple other little skirmishes we don't actually admit to. He eventually retired with the highest rank possible by an enlisted man. For Kim's brother who is serving in Japan right now. For my best friend from high school Zach who has been a Marine since before he took his first breath. He is now a Captain in the Corps. Fly proudly Zach! And for Jordan who would go back into the Corps and serve in a heartbeat.

Dana, I think because this is a holiday for most, they aren't necessarily reading this blog today, but will probably see it tomorrow.

The important thing is that you all took the time to remember. I know it is appreciated.

Thanks Barbara for this venue to celebrate our armed forces (even when we don't agree with this war)! Thank you to my husband who served in WWII.

My father, JEL, 2nd Lt Air Force My stepfather, MLP, Lt Colonel Air Force My otherfather, DCS, Army My best friend, CLW, SSGT Army And so many others. I make it a point to stop and thank every serviceperson I see regardless of the day. They are doing a very hard job and I wouldn't be able to do what I do without their sacrifices and those of the men and women before them. I'm a few days late but for me--every day is Memorial Day.

To my husband who served in the Coast Guard ( a Vietnam era vet), My son who served in the Air Force, My uncle who served in the Marines during the Korean War ( was a POW, made to march in a death march and survived), My father in law who served in the Navy during WWII and my nephew Chris who is currently in OCS training to become an Officer in the Marines. Having been a Coasties wife the first ten years of my marriage I think the real heroes are all the wives who silently support their husbands on the home front. They rarely get the credit they deserve.