As I write this, it is almost a week since Memorial Day.  It has taken me this long to be able to put into words the way that Memorial Day now effects me.  I am torn between wanting everyone to stop and remember those who were lost or to instead go about their holiday, enjoying their lives for those who cannot.  For myself, I had to work this past Memorial Day and so could not really do either of those.  I instead chose to spend the day remembering a fallen comrade. 

     William had the bunk next to me when we were at BCT.  He was a kind-hearted kid who once got us all in trouble for sneaking off to call his Grandma because he was worried about her.  We spent hours cleaning weapons together, and I heard all about his family and his high-school sweetheart.  As most guys in stressful situations do, we shared our hopes for the future.  I learned all about his favorite music and we shared our views on religion (he was Mormon, I was Catholic, we had some fun discussions).  When he came back from Christmas break and told us of his engagement to his girlfriend, I wished him all the best, because he deserved it.  He always seemed to have something good to say at the end of the day to keep everyone optimistic.  We all went our separate ways after Basic, I to the Guard, he to Active Duty. 

   The next I heard of William, he was in Iraq.  And shortly thereafter I heard that he was killed by an IED, leaving his wife and young daughter behind.  Until that very moment, the war was not personal.  Memorial Day was not personal.  I'm sure many of you have had this experience, where the war suddenly comes home in a very real way.  For those who have lost a family member, I'm sure the pain is unspeakable.  At first, my reaction was that everyone needed to stop what they were doing on days like Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.  The sacrifice seemed too great for people to be going to barbecues and parties.  But as time goes on, I realize that there is more to remembering and honoring the fallen than grief and solemnity.  We honor them by living our lives to the best and fullest that we can, as they would have wanted to do.  We honor them by keeping the faiths and traditions that they held dear.  We honor them by pledging that "these honored dead shall not have died in vain."  That they will live on in the memories of their families and friends.  "For everything there is a season, a time for war, a time for peace...a time for grieving, a time for laughter."  Let's remember them at all times, and never forget.