Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for our soldiers past and present.  I believe many people use this holiday to start the summer season.  BBQ parties and going to the beach and celebrating the end of the school year – all of these are great but please take time to think of those soldiers past and present that fought for our rights.  I am thankful for all the armed forces and their dedication.   There are too many friends and coworkers to mention.  I honor all of you!  I would like to honor soldiers in my family;  my grandfather Henry Smith- WWI, my uncle Douglas Mattes- WWII, my uncle Freddie Crane- WWII, my father Robert Henry Smith, my godfather D.A. Mattes, and our son Chris Cates- Afghanistan and  Matthew Schmid – Iraq.  I have shared a few photos of these men below and also a photo of Elder Gomez who has served in Iraq multiple times.   And a special thank you to my friend Amy Hendrix who is out there now in Afghanistan taking care of business!

My grandfather wrote this brief note in a Christmas card he sent my grandmother.  He was in France at the time and there is a photo of him with other soldiers in France.

My Dad and his parents and sisters.

My Uncle Douglas Mattes – Uncle Duck to me and my cousins.

Ours son Chris Cates on his return from Afghanistan.  He will serve there again in 2011.

Elder Gomez, a marine with several deployments to Iraq.