Veteran's Day

I was in a car , riding off to have fun on a beautiful fall day. Initially, I thought it was someone remembering a loved one. But as the telephone poles passed and the list continued, the importance seeped into my mind. I was looking at the names of fallen who will never see the town of Holliston, but will be remembered by it.

I passed a tribute to the men and women who have died in Iraq. It was a simple white sign with black lettering. In black was the name, rank and place of origin of a soldier who has given their life. There were soldiers from across the country and all over the world. Each piece of cardboard topped by a flag, their flag.

The signs were about 6 feet high. The height of a soldier, standing at attention. It was as if we were being protected. Working as escorts, each one 100 feet apart, on alternating sides of the road. Having given their lives in the service of their country, now their memory stood somber and proud.

A stark reminder that the crisp, fall day, the outing with family, our freedom to travel where we wanted - all of that came at a price. A high price.