Memorial Day

Dear Friends,

I was sitting along the water on Bay Street in Staten Island Wednesday watching the Navy Ships enter NYC Harbor when I saw an older man crying. I walked up to him and asked if he needed help. He told me his name was Steve said No and that he was OK and thanked me for asking him. I started a conversation with Steve to find out what was wrong. Steve told me that his son should be on one of the ships entering the harbor.

I asked Steve about his son, how long has he served and where. With tears is his eyes he told me about his son. Mike is only 20, stationed in Iraq, and joined the Navy at 19.

We had some more chit chat then Steve asked me if i could take picture of him with a ship in the back round. Of course I said yes.

Steve went to his car, and came back with his camera and a bag.
From inside this black leather bag Steve removed a flag in a mahogany case and asked me to hold it for a minute while he turned on the camera. I looked at the case the folded flag was in and it said "Michael" along with his last name and dates. I carefully handed the flag back to Steve.

Steve said to me that it is his sons.

Mike was killed in Iraq last year.

Steve walked to the water and positioned himself so that I could take a picture of him holding the flag with a ship in the back round.

I took the picture with tears in my eyes as he smiled proudly.

Steve thanked me for takeing the picture.
I thanked him for his son and for helping me to remember what his weekend is about.
I went to shake his hand and Steve gave me a hug instead.

Below is a video I found on youtube, you may want to watch this Memorial Day to help remind you what the day is really about:

It does not matter whether you agree with the war or not-we still should support those who are making this sacrifice for our country. God bless them and keep them safe.