What does Memorial Day mean to you?

I vividly remember going with my grandfather when I was a child and putting flags on all the graves in three small country cemetaries, to honor those who had served in uniform and praying by the graves of those who had died in combat. His oldest son, my uncle, had been an MIA for several years then and the placement of fllags was his way of remembering his son. In 2001 the body of his son, my uncle was recovered, still strapped in the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang. Memorial Day means more to me and my family than other holidays because it honors those who make other celebrations possible with the sacrifice made by our fallen.

Enough said

REMEMBER

I didn't do anything too special. I went to see The Hornet's Nest and steered clear of BBQs.

My family is not traditionally Military and my friends in my hometown aren't either so it's "Veteran's / National BBQ day to them, but to me I sum it up my this quote.

"Remember the fallen; Honor the fallen."

Sgt Abbate! "Guns Blazzin" is a Navy Cross recipient and Scout Sniper of 3/5 who was killed in action in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I and my family will be visiting the 5th Marines memorial like we always do where his name and hundreds of others are listed under 5th Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice during OIF and OEF.

My whole family is military, and Memorial day is without a doubt a day to remember the fallen, that served like me, but did not make it.
I may BBQ, I may shop, and if I do, I will do so knowing I can, only because of the soldiers that gave their life and the soldiers that stood for the values that made this country so great. It is not the politicians, nor the media that has kept this country free. Left to them we will go under. It is the soldier.

It will always be a day of remembering those who have fallen. If I lived closer to DC, I would visit the war memorials there. If anything at all, I will have to stop by the ones on Ft Benning to pay my respects after work on Monday. It's the next closest that are a tribute to our fallen comrades.

I recently retired after 24 years of service in the USAF. I served in Iraq and AFG among other places. My Father served the USAF for 25 years. My Grandfather served in WWII and Vietnam. My son will be heading out to Army basic training next month. On this Sat I will host a BBQ with all the trimmings of beer, brats and burgers. This will coincide with an airsoft competition in the back woods for my son and his friends. Almost all the invitees are veterans with half of them IRQ/AFG service. Anyone passing by may think we miss the meaning of Memorial Day. However they may not see our honoring of the U.S. Flag and moment of silence for the fallen.

This is my memorial day. This young man and I became very good friends when we were stationed at Fort Hood; he was like a little brother to me. I helped him compile his flight packet and was the Maid of Honor in his wedding. Miss him every day...

This is who I honor on Memorial Day.