DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans and famous Americans by visiting the monuments in Washington, DC. The Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the busy summer season and the Washington, DC region celebrates with family friendly events and special services.

A free concert will be held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features the National Symphony Orchestra. Beginning at 2 p.m. the parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

At 11 a.m. a wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.

There are many more events scheduled all over the country. I wish I could be in Washington, DC to observe the parade and celebrations. Instead, I will be here, in my town that no longer has a parade like the old days, and remember my best friend ever - Veteran John D. Jackson, who died October 27, 2007, a WWII Army veteran. I miss him so much.

Son John, and my nephew, Jeffrey, are veterans. John is here, and Jeffrey lives in Youngstown, Ohio. Jeff served more than 18 years in the U.S. Navy. I salute them for their service and I hope they know how much I love them.

Have a wonderful and memorable Memorial Day!