Memorial Day.

Tomb of the Unknown., originally uploaded by Luna Soledad.

Just as a suit does not a man make, not every soldier who puts on a uniform is a hero. 'Hero' is a word tossed about all too casually these days, in my opinion, and 'honor' a word more often found in slogans and mission statements rather than in the hearts of men and women.

That is not to say that they're not out there. And God bless 'em.

But Memorial Day belongs to those who served honorably and made the ultimate sacrifice in the call of duty. Like my Uncle Larry McLaughlin who died in Vietnam years before I was born...

The ones we don't hear about often enough. The ones whose voices and fears and bravery, hopes and dreams and stories were cut loose all too soon and lost, all or in part, to the winds, fighting for what they believed in... a better life and a better world.

To the memory of our unsung heroes.

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom."

...Bob Dylan