Memorial, thanks for friend’s sacrifice

Today is the 43rd anniversary of your death. Friends and families will be getting together to celebrate a day that marks the unofficial start of summer. Unfortunately, many will give little or no thought to you or the thousands upon thousands of brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. I will think about you and all the others as I do every day.

Your beautiful smile is forever etched in my minds eye. My Marine Corps flag is flying proudly in your honor as it does every Memorial Day.

Today I am reminded of how blessed I am to be able to smell the delicate fragrance of blooming lilacs, the aroma of countless grills riding the breeze in our neighborhood, and the scent of freshly mowed grass. Insignificant? Perhaps, but they’re simple pleasures that you gave up many years ago in a land so far away.

You are greatly missed and will never be forgotten. I have kept you alive in my heart, and I am honored to have been your friend. Semper Fi

Steve Haisley

Vernon Hills