Whenever Emily and I go on our travels around the country we almost always take some time to visit graveyards. Far from being a morbid sort of tradition, we do it to see the generations that came before us. It’s a sign of respect, a visit to view our country’s ancestors, and to reflect on all they did to set the route that we would one day walk along.

This tradition has always been even more poignant for me when we visit gravesites that belong to our veterans. The two markers above are from the Sleep Hollow Cemetery, and are for two soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War (that’s what those round markers signify).

What a humbling thing to be able to see these markers, to think on everything these two did for our country, and to offer a silent thanks to their memories.

Today, on Memorial Day, I’m thinking of all our veterans — both deceased, and those who came home to us. Both of my grandfathers served. Luckily, they both made it through their respective wars, otherwise I likely wouldn’t be here today.

To all of those who didn’t survive, and to all the families who today mourn their loss in a special way, my gratitude and love goes out to you.

Bless you all.

This story of a Marine’s final journey has remained with me since I first saw it in college several years ago. The New York Times “At War” blog did a nice job of expressing what these images do to highlight the incredible sacrifice our servicemen and women — and their families — give to our country every day. Take a look.