Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who have gone before. We remember family members who served in the military, friends who died in Vietnam, other friends who returned but were never the same physically or mentally, those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today is a day for giving thanks for all the blessings living in the United States affords us. And it is a day to feel the loss of those no longer with us.

Earlier this year we lost Virgil Thomas who was Larry's best man. He was also his college buddy and surfing pal. For over twenty-five years he disappeared from our lives. We tried to locate him for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary but were unable to find him. Just before we left for Japan, Lorna hired an investigator in one last attempt to find him. Success! Virg arrived on Larry's birthday in 1998 as a surprise. That was the best gift he'll ever receive. The three of us spent all evening and into the wee hours of the following morning reminiscing. He stayed the night and left after breakfast the next morning. We stayed in touch during our time in Japan, and Virg visited us several times in the intervening years. We stopped by to see him as well, even though we lived several hundred miles apart. Then, just before Christmas, we learned that he had terminal cancer. It was with great sadness that we were informed of his death on January 2 of this year. We were delighted when his widow chose a photo from that memorable birthday weekend in 1998 for his obituary page. Why does he come to mind today? Because he was one of those who went to Vietnam and were never quite the same when he returned. He did have a life filled with the kinds of activities he loved: building and racing cars and boats. From the comments of those who knew him, he was a good friend to all. We are grateful today that he returned from the jungles of Vietnam and returned to our lives. Although he is now gone, we have precious memories of our last few meetings.

Luanna and Len Rugh's book, Promises Kept, should be published at the end of the summer. Keep an eye out for it. You'll learn a great deal about the experience of being in that miserable war, of recovering from devastating wounds received there, and finally making a life – not the life they expected, but one filled with friends and family, joy and love.

Memorial Day is about remembering. And we do remember. We do.