When Dylan was a little boy he was a Cub Scout. One of my all time favorite things the Scouts did was going to the Veterans Cemetery just before Memorial Day. Troops from all over the Portland area would meet up and be assigned a section of the cemetery. There was a flag ceremony at the beginning of the night with tributes and prayers from some of the local military organizations. “Taps” was played, and there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen.
Once the ceremony was done the Scouts headed out to their designated locations in the cemetery. Each boy was given a handful of small American flags, and a whisk broom. Dylan took his job serious. He swept the grave marker, wiping away leaves and dirt. He then placed the flag, and gave a salute.
There were fresh graves, some only days old. At that time we still had a lot of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Dylan would place a flag on a young man’s grave marker, and then place another flag right next to it from a WWII veteran. It took my breath away to look across the cemetery and watch all these boys placing flags and saluting at each Veteran’s grave site.
One year when we were at the cemetery with the Scouts placing flags I decided it was time to look up my dad’s grave marker. He did not die in a war but Dad did serve in the Marines during Vietnam. After roaming around going the wrong direction I finally found my dad’s grave site. It’s on a wall since Dad was cremated.
As soon as I saw my dad’s name on that grave marker I cried like a baby. My reaction surprised me since Dad’s death was quite a few years before that moment. You can’t predict grief. I was glad to see Dad’s name at the Veterans Cemetery. It’s a beautiful way to honor a family member who has served our country.
War is hell. So many lives have been lost during war time. Every life matters and is precious to the Creator of all life, Father God. Memorial Day is about remembering and honoring those Americans who have given their lives during war time.
Thank you to all who have lost a precious loved one while serving in the U.S. Military. May God bless and keep you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Love you all,
Meghan
Please enjoy this video from the U.S. Army of “Taps” at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Meghan E White 
That is such a great thing for kids to do–to learn patriotism at a young age. That activity will no doubt help to form good life habits.
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Absolutely! I’m sure for most of these boys the impact has been life long. For my son he was born wanting to serve and is about to leave for the Air Force. It definitely impacted him.
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Thank you very much for this post. After I read your remarks, my jaw tightened, and tears began to flow. I am thankful for your father’s service to our country, as Vietnam was my war also, although not being assigned to that country, but in Thailand and the Philippines in support of the war effort. May God richly bless you for all that you do with the articles that you write, and the life that you live.
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Thank you for your service. I will always stand with our military. My dad never got to go to Vietnam, though he requested to be sent at least 5 times. My parents had already been married for several years and had 2 small children with a 3rd on the way. Not sure if that stopped him from being sent. My mom would see the base commanders wife at the laundromat and tell her when her husband sees my dad’s request to deny it since he has a family. I am so grateful to everyone who serves and has served our country. God bless you and your family, and your wonderful writing.
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Thank you; I appreciate all of your thoughts. Please know that by being a Marine, your father was truly a “man’s man!”
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Yes he was. Thank you! 😊
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Yes!
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That’s Beautiful Meghan, i asked for Taps to be played at my Father’s funeral; and my Brother said- Dan you don’t want that to be played- he knew what a hard time it was for me and he was right, since then i break down when i hear It played. We are Thankful for those who are serving & have served & gave the ultimate sacrifice
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What a special way to honor your father. Taps is so moving and beautiful. Makes me cry too. I’m so grateful too, for all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. God bless you my friend.
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