First of all, my father who was a career Army officer, 1934-1962, Lt. Col. Frank E. Smith.
My brother, Frank B. Smith, a Viet Nam combat medic.
My father's 1st cousin, died 1944 at Normandy WWII, Tec5 Loren R Dressander. (He was the only child of my Grandmother's sister.)
My Grandfather, Gerald Joseph Barry, Army, WWI, wounded in France.
Our tree is filled with those who fought on both sides of the Civil War, and those who fought for independence in the Revolutionary War.
We honor all of them today.
Memorial Day is a day to honor all who died in service for our country. However, I always think of those whose lives were changed and lived out their lives with the scars and health issues. They are all heroes.