White crosses that seem to stretch for miles standing out in marked contrast to the green, well-tendered grass. Its a scene captured millions of times each year by throw-away cameras in the hands of tourists. Cemeteries --- military and local --- become tourist attractions on Memorial Day. And rightly so ... lest we forget; lest we allow our children to forget. In nearly every state, hallowed grounded can be found, wherein lie the bodies of those who gave their lives in service to the ideals of freedom and liberty .... "our" freedom and liberty. Flags unfurl in the breeze; sometimes TAPS can be heard on that same breeze. And somehow our minds, even our hearts, are transported to a spiritual level, as we regard the sacrifice of those, whose names, etched into the stone,  we seldom recognize.

But the names are important ...!  Oh, they may be unknown to us. But as you walk by the markers this Mermorial Day, take a moment to read the name. He was called Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman. He was tough, well-trained and ready to stand in defense of his nation. But he answered to other names, too. As he put on the uniform of his country in the early morning, he may have stood before the mirror, wondering when he had grown up. His mind may have echoed with the memory of another time when he was simply called "son" or "brother." And now there are other names and responsibilities, as from down the hallway, a small voice calls, "daddy," and another from the kitchen calls him, "Darling," asking if he's ready for breakfast.

But time has passed and now his is just a name on a white Cross or a granite marker.  And many of those who called him by affectionate names; those who mourned his passing, have gone to be with him and today no one remembers or speaks his name in the land of the living. But, Reader, let us not forget he was once flesh and blood; loved by family and friends, his life like ours, full of joy and hope and .... dreams. But along with the uniform and the flag, came war, and trial, separation and .... sacrifice. All in the cause of freedom.

Speak his name out loud as you walk by the Crosses this Memorial Day. And, after you speak his name, add one more word. Say, "Hero." And let us never forget.