This picture gets me every time I see it.

Memorial Day is one day a year when we should put ourselves in this boy's shoes for a moment. Look at his face - really look, with an open heart and perceiving eyes. He doesn't need a red number on a calendar to remember his loss. He sums up the range of Memorial Day emotions perfectly; defiant and strong, yet mourning. This is what this day is about. Our nation was bought at great effort, and great price, by the blood of our fellow countrymen, and continues to require those who have given their lives in her defense.

So - happy Memorial Day*. May God bless America.

(* I know there are those who take issue with the phrase “Happy Memorial Day”. If we can call Good Friday good because of sacrifice made on our behalf, I think we can also let our gratitude for these sacrifices lead us to be happy. I certainly don't think that those we honor today would want us moping around; take time for reflection and gratitude, then enjoy the freedom they earned for you.)