Let's not forget what Memorial Day is about...

[wallacmc]

That is good. could not help to have tears come down my face when all the kids saw their dads. My dad is resting in the Riverside National Semitary and this holiday has great importance to me. If you never have seen a National Cemetery on this day it is worth going just to see even if you don't know anyone resting in one. You will have a much more profound understanding of this sacrifices made for this country by all those who serve in the military whether passed on or alive as well as those who every day protect us on the streets and in our own neighborhoods.

I have never been big on visiting cemetaries, but while on vacation, my wife and were driving outside of Florence, Italy, taking back roads in a rented Fiat so we could see rural, natural Tuscany. All of the sudden, out of nowhere I see this to the right. I almost wrecked turning in there and my wife was wondering what in the world I was doing. I knew exactly what it was the moment I saw it and was moved beyond measure. 4,402 headstones and a wall in the back listing 1,409 names of airmen shot down and missing behind enemy lines. If you ever have a chance, see an American WWII cemetery in Europe. Thankfully, the grounds were exquisite and cared for with love by both Italians and Americans. Of all the churches, vinyards and monuments I saw in Italy, this was by far the most memorable and definitely the only one that made me cry. It was the best two hours I ever spent over there.

Matthew Wallace
6yr Air Force veteran, SSgt (all National Guard)

Please don't honor me on Memorial Day; my day is in November. Honor these guys.....