When we lived in the Netherlands we lived near Margraten Cemetery. It's an American WWII cemetery near the border of Belgium. If there is an adjective between sadness and peacefulness I found it there. I went many times walking through the rows slowly reading name after name of those who gave their life for our country. Sometimes I went and was overcome with sadness bowing my head with grief for their loved ones who perhaps had never made the journey over to see their final resting place. Other times I walked the rows feeling a renewed sense of life and the power of the freedom they gave us. The first time I went a cross with "Connecticut" on it caught my eye. His name was Sebastian Lauterbach. Instead of being a name on a stark white cross he became a young man. I imagined him heading over and wondered was he scared? Did he want to go? Did he go to bed at night dreaming of Connecticut? Did he have twinkling blue eyes? I imagine he did. When we moved I felt like I left a dear friend behind. I think of him often but especially on Memorial Day...thank you Sebastian.

Thank you to everyone who serves our great country. And God Bless those who lost their lives doing so.