<center>[![1-2.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbr5yeoxaQq48TxFvSAkgqapww8AfVr7AkwoHH1MHKxeE/1-2.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbr5yeoxaQq48TxFvSAkgqapww8AfVr7AkwoHH1MHKxeE/1-2.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


<div class=text-justify> 

# <center>A Day of Remembrance</center>

<center>![pageBreak.png](https://img.whaleshares.io/wls-img/derangedvisions/6be999e5186e6b2fb4ea41fd6aac09da4bdade6f.png)</center>

I wrote this post two years ago while I was traveling. I had been traveling around the south and east coast getting pictures for the book about the Civil War that I was working on. During that time, we visited countless cemeteries for fallen military veterans. I spent that Memorial Day reflecting on the different sacrifices that these men and women made. Now as it is Memorial Day again, I only felt it fitting to share this post again. 

<center>[![scott.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/derangedvisions/BH5KsU8S-scott.jpeg)](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/derangedvisions/BH5KsU8S-scott.jpeg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>

The past few Memorial Days have been the hardest for me since I lost my best friend Scott a few years ago. This is a day that holds a special meaning for so many across our country. It is a day for us to remember people like Scott and so many others that gave their lives for our country. 

<center>[![bugler.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/derangedvisions/zsSlw5wT-bugler.jpg)](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/derangedvisions/zsSlw5wT-bugler.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>

When the bugler plays Taps, take some time to reflect on the lives that were lost. Those heroes are gone, but never forgotten. Here is the original post from two years ago:

# <center>Remember the Fallen</center>

<center>![pageBreak.png](https://img.whaleshares.io/wls-img/derangedvisions/6be999e5186e6b2fb4ea41fd6aac09da4bdade6f.png)</center>

While a lot of America is enjoying Memorial Day by going out to the lake and having BBQs, there is a portion of the population that takes time to reflect on the true meaning of the day. It is a day to remember all of the fallen that have given their life in defense for this country and its values.


<center>[![2.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaZWqADuMcc9WRqcZSqxi9YNAfHZGw4CvVp6BguiGtjoi/2.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaZWqADuMcc9WRqcZSqxi9YNAfHZGw4CvVp6BguiGtjoi/2.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


During my trip, I have visited many national cemeteries and seen countless gravestones of soldiers from every one of our nation's conflicts. It is always an emotional experience when I see all of the headstones lined up and numbering in the thousands. 


<center>[![3.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYSYHgjAJ5qwAxpdHZU6qtgn9CcRLqUJjjT84HYx2rK93/3.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYSYHgjAJ5qwAxpdHZU6qtgn9CcRLqUJjjT84HYx2rK93/3.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


I think of all of the lives cut short. All of the families that had to go on without a father, or a mother in the more recent wars. When I left for war the first time, my son was 13 months old, so I think of all of the men that left in similar situations that never made it home and those children never knew their fathers.


<center>[![4.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaoR2TvY6XUu4LFG5vkt8gsJqVDZ77Qq6UfuseBKXdV3h/4.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaoR2TvY6XUu4LFG5vkt8gsJqVDZ77Qq6UfuseBKXdV3h/4.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


Some might look at the fields of headstones and say it is a tragic waste of life, but I think those people couldn't be any more wrong. While the numbers are tragic, all of those brave souls that are buried in these national cemeteries have shaped the country into what it is today and without their sacrifice, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have. 


<center>[![5.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQ3PFS4scTLMC9gMtQCph1Q39JiQjxhARD42ivho3f4pY/5.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQ3PFS4scTLMC9gMtQCph1Q39JiQjxhARD42ivho3f4pY/5.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


The soldiers that are laid to rest in these fields are the reason that we have the country we do. If you are not from the US and are reading this, I invite you to join us in celebrating Memorial day and that you take the time to honor those that have shaped <b>YOUR</b> country into what it is. 


<center>[![6.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmV8qVHRmWqKwucuiLt6YX5czBVkPoKgf6fSGEXXw4ZJr5/6.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmV8qVHRmWqKwucuiLt6YX5czBVkPoKgf6fSGEXXw4ZJr5/6.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


Thank you for taking the time to read through this. I hope that all of you are having a great weekend. 

<center>[![7.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmP8HcGQBAUmE6L6eMcf6k3euARG299GGvfhutsnJAT8sM/7.jpg)](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmP8HcGQBAUmE6L6eMcf6k3euARG299GGvfhutsnJAT8sM/7.jpg)</center>
<center><sup>Photo taken by me @derangedvisions</sup></center>


</div>