In Honor of Memorial Day 2023

In honor of Memorial Day today, we remember the men and women who died for our country.

Memorial Day and Veterans Day have a special meaning for me. I was raised in the military, yes a military BRAT. Both my parents were officers. Patriotic U.S. holidays and patriotism were part of my everyday existence from birth through high school as we moved from base to base.

My father and mother share a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. It’s on a hill that overlooks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Col. Robert Lee Brown & Lt. Marjorie Sesseleman-Brown Arlington National Cemetery headstone — *My son Patrick (when he was in middle school) and I at Arlington National Cemetery with headstone for Colonel Robert Lee Brown* *and Lieutenant Marjorie Sesseleman-Brown (my mother)*

Patrick, in the photo above, went on to serve in the Marine Corps and served, with distinction, one tour during the Iraq war. It’s a blessing he returned OK.

Retiring a United States Stars and Stripes Flag

The US Flag Code states that if a flag is not in good enough condition to represent our country, it should be taken down and destroyed. The dignified manner recommend is burning. This is the manner of retiring the flag that is used in the military. Our flag that flys on the front of our house was getting worn so I replaced it today and retired the worn one. As it burned, we said the pledge:

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”