At first I wanted to wish everyone a "happy memorial day"… then I decided to wish everyone a memorable memorial day, and ask that you spend a little time today during your bbq's and your swimming pools to remember the reason we have memorial day. Traditionally, Memorial Day is a day where local communities would honor those who served, and often go to the cemeteries and clean up the tombstones and graves of the fallen, putting flowers and flags on them. For whatever reason, in recent years it has become a holiday of parties, beer and bikinis…  

So, I ask that everyone take a little time, especially if you live here in the United States, think about all those who defended this country and the freedoms that you currently have. Additionally, no matter what you think about the current war, the politics involved, think about the soldiers currently serving unselfishly, whatever the cause may be and pray for their speedy return to their families.

So, please listen to the full version of taps at http://www.usmemorialday.org /audio/bugltaps.mp3 and think a bit about the solemn notes, what they mean, and how this affects yourself, your family and your loved ones.

The Promise Kept

Their son was only two weeks old; their daughter's years were three
When duty called this pilot to the war across the sea.
"Let's just pretend you're only going on a business trip.
Each day we'll write about the things we've done and then we'll slip
a note into an envelope and put it in the mail.
You send me yours; I'll send you mine, I promise, without fail."
He walked away with pounding heart while fighting back the tears
with "Come home soon, I love you, Daddy" ringing in his ears.
They kept that promise, sealed with love some 30 years ago.
They sent him tapes and photographs so he could watch them grow.
They're married now with children of their own who, at the Wall,
ask "Was my Grandpa brave?" and Grandma says, "Bravest of all."

Poem: © 2001 by Bruce Obermeyer

As always, best wishes, Cris Alarcon.