Yesterday I went with my friend Vicki to Fort Rosecrans Military Cemetery to honor our fallen servicemen. An older lady wept in front of a plaque, others knelt in front of tombstones. The Boy Scouts placed small American flags at each grave, and some family members had placed bouquets of flowers. One grave had a dozen red roses laid in front. Some had taken the small pebbles in front of the plaques and made hearts on the sidewalk in front of their loved one’s place. Everyone was respectful and moved quietly. Some taking pictures some just standing and contemplating a grave. My friend is a photographer and took pictures to commemorate the day. The traffic was heavy, and it was good to see so many people coming to recognize Memorial Day and honor their loved ones who had fallen. My Uncle Arthur, known by the family as “Buster,” was on the Pillsbury during WWII. He had been transferred from another ship that was in dry dock. The Pillsbury was sunk at sea with all hands on board. It was a heavy blow to my grandmother, who had lost my grandfather during the Influenza epidemic of 1917. I was never a Navy wife, having met my husband long after he retired from 30 years in the Navy. His father is buried at Fort Rosecrans, but I didn’t know where he was laid to rest. For those families who have lost loved ones, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, I say thank you for the ultimate price paid for our freedom. May we always treasure that freedom, honoring the flag, and standing when the Star Spangled Banner is played. We have so much to be thankful for.
Memorial Day
