Jake: This Memorial Day, remember that not all heroes wear capes, but they do wear a uniform

It’s Memorial Day weekend. While many will be marking the holiday with good weather and a barbecue, I hope we all take at least a little time to remember the heroes who made it possible.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I got the boys up early and took them to our small town’s Memorial Day ceremony. We stood near the back and watched as the local American Legion raised the flag in salute to the soldiers who died protecting our country — this beautiful country we are so lucky to call home. We brought our sons because we want them to understand, as best they can at their age, the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. Ordinary people from small towns and big cities all across America, who volunteered to fight for something bigger than themselves and who, heartbreakingly, didn’t make it home.

I’m a people-watcher by nature, and my attention kept drifting to one man standing nearby. Nothing especially extraordinary about him at first glance. Camo jacket, boots; he had the look of a former Marine. I’d have guessed mid-40s and, like most of us, he was in decent shape, but not exactly training for an Ironman. An ordinary guy on an ordinary morning.

Then came the salute.

At one point in the ceremony, he snapped to attention, and I watched him transform before my eyes. Right there in front of me, the middle-aged man disappeared, and the soldier came back. Strong, rigid, unbreakable. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Years removed from his service, and it was still there, living just beneath the surface. And I couldn’t help but think about what else must live there too — the memories of those he knew who didn’t make it home to stand at a ceremony like this one.

I am deeply grateful to the brave men and women who gave everything for this country and for all of us. God bless them and their families. However you spend the holiday, I hope you have a peaceful Memorial Day and take a moment to remember.

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