7and8

Today the Cub Scouts participated in a ritual held near ever Memorial Day. We were honored to replace the flags at the graves of veterans. Every year the VFW post replaces the American Flag at every grave site in this town. In this part of the country the veterans include those who fought in the revolutionary war, civil war, WWI, WWII Korea, Vietnam and those conflicts not mentioned. Our Cub Pack is chartered by this VFW post who allows us the privilege of helping veterans honor their own. One mention that really caught my ear was at the ceremony of the retired flags. The post commander said that as long as there is one veteran left in this country there will be someone to replace these flags so any sacrifice is not forgotten.
In a few days we will march in the Memorial Day parade. A Memorial Day parade is very different here than anywhere else I have lived. It is a somber yet necessary ceremony where the pride in your country brings tears to your eyes. It reminds me that I don't know the meaning of the word 'sacrifice'.
I was riding the other day and witnessed another growing ritual; the posting on every utility pole the name, rank, age, flag, and state of those fallen in the current Iraqi war. There are a lot of utility poles in this small town and there doesn't seem to be enough to go around.
I stopped to thank the gentlemen for posting these tributes and their contribution to this country.

If you have a chance, please thank a veteran.