When I was growing up in Reno, Nevada, Memorial Day weekend festivities included a family picnic or barbeque to celebrate what felt like the official start of summer. Before the celebration, my parents took my siblings and me to the cemetery to commemorate those who died before us. It was not a morbid activity. In a way, it was kind of social, because my parents always visited with people who were decorating graves just like they were. Like most of their contemporaries who grew up during World War II and the Korean War, my parents had a deep appreciation for the sacrifices that our US military service men and women have made for our country.

I think they’ve passed that appreciation to me. Today, I found myself drawn to the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio, just a few blocks from my home. The cemetery is located in the center of the Presidio and enjoys impressive views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. There are literally thousands of military veterans and their families laid to rest here and the site is especially breathtaking on Memorial Day weekend. The headstones, arranged in a grid that forms curved lines that hug the grassy hill, were each decorated with an American flag. As I studied the individual grave markers, I felt a mixture of gratitude and sorrow; gratitude that the veterans served our country and sorrow for those who lost their lives or experienced physical or psychological injury. Then my thoughts turned to the men and women who are serving in the military today. Peace to you!