The old man was standing a bit stooped, not straight and smart like when he was a young soldier, but he managed a crisp salute. A tear formed in his eye, started to wander down his cheek, and soon was followed by another tear. A few bystanders in the crowd noticed the old man and while some of the younger ones giggled, the others turned their attention back to the parade.

It happened often but especially every year at the Memorial Day parade when he always saluted the stars and stripes. The memory would come back to mind, fresh as the day it had happened. Why it had to be that way, what happened that day so long ago, would never be answered in any way that would seem just.

Joy was not enough to describe the way the young couple felt at the birth of their little boy. He was healthy and the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. No doubt there was a brilliant future ahead for this cute little bundle. As he grew, there was the usual adventures of little boys, delight in finding bugs to bring home and teasing the girls. Time would go by much to quickly and soon high school graduation was only a memory. A good job, a steady girlfriend and it seemed like a great start for a young couple when the call to serve his country arrived one day.

The old man still wondered why it was such a beautiful day when what happened was so terrible. It didn't make sense that young men would be trying to kill each other but that was what had to be done. The firefight started with a deafening roar and men scrambled to get into position to form a defense. At some point, a young man who was now a battled hardened soldier, quickly moved forward ............ An act of bravery that saved the lives of the men with him.

It seemed like a very high price to pay, indeed, but then, that is what Memorial Day is all about, isn't it?