This Memorial day weekend we joined MANY (like 350!) Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in placing flags alongside a veterans grave.

At first it was a little overwhelming --- but Emily turned into a great "spotter" as we read graves and looked for symbols of our armed forces. Then we helped William place the flag (technically, only uniformed scouts could place the flag, but that ground was hard to drive a dowel into!!) and then he would salute. We also said, "thank you for your service".

I have to say that I am really happy William joined the scouts. There's a true blue feeling of American pride ---- and for the first time I felt that my kids were getting an understanding of why the country takes this Monday off every May.

It was also interesting to talk to the kids about my Father who had served in the US Army and generally has a flag at his grave site. Brian's Dad was in the armed forces and so was Tom. And now, my own brother is in the U.S. Army. Two of my dearest friends have husbands who served. But talking about the armed forces isn't a regular conversation for us --- and there are so many families that are serving and go without loved ones for long stretches of time while they are away. Or worse --- lose those loved ones forever. It was a good reminder to all of us that Memorial Day isn't just about bar-b-qs and the start of summer! ;)

Afterwards we had waters and hot dogs!! An overcast morning became a sunny, HOT day and we were glad to have served our time before 11: 00 am!!