A caisson entering Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, DC
Photo from Arlington National Cemetery website,
Courtesy of Andrew V. McMaster, May 2006

This story reprinted from first publishing here May 28, 2007:
This weekend is our Memorial Day holiday when America pauses to honor those that have given their lives in service to their country. The Yelm Community Blog host & Kleiners Korner editor/publisher appreciates and honors all of those who have served to defend, protect, and preserve our country from outside invaders. Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action, quoting Wikipedia.

The wars have left their mark on this area, as we are reminded of Rainier’s Justin Norton:

Rainier’s fallen son, Justin Norton

Justin Norton Scholarship Fund
honoring Rainier, Washington’s fallen soldier in Iraq.
About Sgt. Norton

Donations can be mailed to:
Justin Norton Scholarship Fund
c/o Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 444
Yelm, Wa 98597

UPDATES:
– “On Memorial Day Weekend, America Reckons With Torture”
By Bill Moyers and Michael Winship, Moyers & Co.
Read more

– “Healing soldiers with horses in Yelm”
Click here for the video from KING 5 News in Seattle.

– These videos are very touching this holiday, as well:
1. “VJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945”
Amazing video footage:
CLICK HERE

2. See this fabulous slide show “Women in Uniform” from 1778 – today.
From TODAY on NBC.

– And last:
“This belongs in the email Hall of Fame”
” This puts to shame the output of a number of Hollywood producers and/or directors.
All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!
This film was made by a 15 year old girl. It is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News today. Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together, is 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits as of this morning. In case you missed it, here it is. Watch all of it……..and, pass it on!!”
Click here

– “JBLM spouse starts Memorial Day walk in Yelm”
“Bringing remembrance to her community”
By Heather Short on northwest Military.com
Read more