Serious Holiday

Yesterday was a holiday in the United States.

Many people celebrated the day with family gatherings, picnics, an afternoon at a lake, or other outdoor activities. (Weather permitting.) The media often calls that weekend the beginning of summer.

There is a serious side to this holiday. When I was growing up, our family (especially my father), looked at the day a little different than many do these days.

He was a combat veteran from WWII. He marched with the local American Legion post to decorate veterans graves and remember the friends he’d lost in combat.

Now, his grave is among those decorated with flag and poppies by the local Am. Legion post.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery — the final resting place of many military veterans. Some died in the line of duty. Others survived their years of service. Many gave honor to others until their final day.