Making Memories and Remembering

 This year for Memorial day we began with a beautiful drive up Big Cottonwood canyon for a breakfast with Mike and Mischele's family.  We had a gorgeous campsite in among the spruce trees with a small ice cold river trickeling through.  We had french toast, bacon, potatoes, and orange juice.  So yummy.

 

 After breakfast we headed to West Jordan for a Memorial Day service.  It was a bright sunny afternoon and the service was perfect.  There were patriotic speeches by Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Matheson.  There were also decorated military generals and the Patriot Brigade surrounding us with flags.  The names of 20 Utahan's killed in action this year were read and the bell rang.  Then there was a 21 gun salute and taps was played.  The ceremony ended with bagpipers playing Amazing Grace as they walked away.

 Before the ceremony began there was a riderless horse and a flag draped casket to represent all service men and women killed in battle.  It was a touching symbolic reminder of all those who died protecting the United States of America.

I hope my children will remember how important these men and women were and how we enjoy our freedoms because they were willing to die to protect them.  Freedom is not free!