Memorial Day 2007

Today in the USA is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the creation and preservation of our country. Also a day for picnics, family togetherness, and visiting cemeteries to honor all our kindred dead.

Last night, in early observance, we as a family went to visit some of the Jaffa family graves, specifically those of Great-grandma (to my kids) Betty and her husband, and then to great-grandpa Jaffa's parents. The latter is located in the Salt Lake City cemetery, very near the veterans section. This veteran's area is currently undergoing a restoration effort, as many of the headstones have begun to tilt and sink. As family wandered through the yard, I meandered over for some solitary time near the headstones of those that died defending our country. It was a very moving moment for me. Memorial Day has become to most simply a 3 day weekend. This brought the meaning of the celebration home for me. I even took a few pictures.