I headed to the Memorial Day services for our town, held at the Barracks of Fort Vancouver and attended by several hundred vets, civilians and local politicians. It was moving to think of those who have given their lives in service.

There was the memorial marker for those lost in wars from the Spanish American war through the present Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and a laying of wreaths for the two most recent locals lost, followed by taps by two bulglers on opposite sides of the field and Amazing Grace, sung and then with bagpipes...I'm not ashamed to say that plenty of tears were shed...