National Memorial Day Concert May 24, 2009

May 24, 2009, we celebrate Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day. This day is a time to remember those who have fought or served in our military, those who died in service to our country and those who are still fighting for our freedom. On this day I will remember my father, William E. Gillum (11-9-06), who served in the Korean War and is buried at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Joliet, Illinois, and his brother - my Uncle, Robert Blackford Gillum, II (5-3-06), who served in World War II and is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As we celebrate their memories and the many years we had with them after their military service, we will also be remembering those who sacrificed so much for our country's freedom.

A fabulous website in observance of this day is the National Memorial Day Concert site. This site details the live concert from the Nation's Capital that will be broadcast on May 24, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST (check your local listings) - set your DVR so you don't miss this program. This National Memorial Day Concert honors the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and all those who have given their lives for our country. "Sharing memories of your loved ones is the best tribute we can make to them."

Also an amazing part of this website is the Read and Submit A Eulogy section. "For those who request it, we hand-carry your eulogies and remembrances directly to the appropriate memorial site – the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial or Arlington National Cemetery – for the fallen buried there and for those who have fallen in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At these sacred sites, Reverend Steve Hyde, PhD, and other members of the clergy will offer prayerful words in a ceremony designed to honor and respect your loved one." You can submit remembrances that may also be made part of the website, or you can read prior years' submissions too.

So while I'm watching the fireworks, my DVR will be recording this very special remembrance to those who have served our country. I will also be remembering the 21-gun salute to my father and will forever look at Memorial Day as something more than a three-day weekend we will share with friends, family, food and fireworks.