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Former Army Ranger and U.S. military officer Blackfive writes about Memorial Day:

“Of course, Memorial Day is about remembering the sacrifices that our military men and women have made over the last 229 years. We are still a young nation, but one that has made many sacrifices to remain free. We should also take time to remember the families who have lost loved ones.

I have focused on just a few of the fallen over the last few years. I’ve lost three good friends during the War on Terror. And I write about the others to ensure that we don’t forget their sacrifices – I do that for me as much as for anybody. I can’t speak for the friends of the many others who have fallen, but for Mat, Cooter, and Mike, I can say this -”

The rest offers some thoughts on the meaning of Memorial Day, including a letter he received about Taylor Prazynski (see his earlier coverage) – a Marine who recently was buried at Arlington:

”...Earlier in the week Taylor’s body arrived at the Greater Cincinnati Airport by commercial jet. All passengers were instructed to remain on the plane until Taylor’s body was removed by a contingent of Marines. A military helicopter followed the Marine vehicle as it motored to the funeral parlor. Police and fire trucks were stationed at the overpasses and along the highway and saluted at Taylor passed by. At the funeral parlor no civilian was allowed to touch the body. The Marines prepared the deceased… A Marine color guard followed by a rider less horse accompanied Taylor’s body down Ohio Highway 4 for funeral services at Fairfield High School gym. Over 1500 people were in attendance of the funeral service at the school where the young Marine graduated in 2003, and played football and ran track. Pastor Dave Workman of the Vineyard Community Church presided. He gave a sterling tribute to this fallen hero that gave his life to his country. The pastor praised Taylor for his work with the church’s youth group, and his volunteer work with a multiple-disabilities class while in high school.”

We also recommend Blackfive’s tribute to his friend Major Matthew Schramm, who died in Iraq. That incident (incl. the Newsweek involvement) sparked “Blackfive’s” blogging efforts, which have included special efforts to remember and memorialize those who have served with gallantry and heroism.

Finally, since Blackfive’s post mentions “Taps” prominently, we also thought it appropriate to include this explanation of Taps by Jari A. Villanueva of West-Point.ORG: “24 Notes that Tap Deep Emotions.”