I just wanted to put up a note and wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. A special note of thanks to all of our people in uniform who have honorably served (and are serving) our country.

-James

This Memorial Day I remember last year when my son and I went to the National Cemetary on Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. While we were there, we found the grave of Kermit Roosevelt, the son of President Teddy Roosevelt. Kermit was the son that went on the African safari with his dad.

My son joined the Infantry in the US Army. The unit he was assigned to just got back from Iraq last summer and was supposed to train for 2 years and then go to Afghanistan during the summer of 2010. This year, the war in Iraq is quietly being escalated and instead of going to Afghanistan next summer, my son's unit is going right back to Iraq in September of this year. I gave my son my 7" K-Bar fighting knife to carry in Iraq. I hope the K-Bar serves my son as well as it served me while I was in the US Army Infantry. I won't see my son for 1 1/2 years. May God be with him and his unit.

Hi David,

I am sorry to hear that your son is being deployed so quickly. It must be hard as a parent to have your son going into harms way and not be able to prepare for it. My sister's husband was in Iraq for 18 months, early into the war. He wound up leaving her with two wee ones to care for. It was a definite hardship for the family, but my sister is very strong and has an amazing sense of denial to boot. Don't laugh, it is a valuable coping skill at times.

While he was away, he was able to get internet access. I used to frequently see him on-line here at odd hours (LOL, another one who never posts). It was reassuring for me to have that contact. Fortunately, he came home all in one piece - and according to my sister, in many ways a much stronger, more capable person.

I cannot wish more for your son - that he comes home alive and in one piece - and that somehow the experience makes him a stronger, better person.

James

Yes, as an ex-Navy man myself....my stongest wishes to the safety of our men in the service. Be effective...cover each others butts....and get home safe. We value your work with our freedom of everyday life.

Peace

Roman

Happy Memorial day to everyone(a few days late) I just shot a dedication ceremony for a fallen soldier yesterday. It really hit home to me. I made it through the day without crying, but, the video I made keeps getting me going.

Huge thanks go out to all our enlisted and all the veterans.

Here is the animoto I did of the ceremony if anyone is interested

http://juliepoole.com/ferschke.php

Very nice.

Sometimes I miss the Army, other times I'm happy to pass the torch to the next generation.

It's good that some still remember.