Meaning of Memorial Day for One Attleboro Soldier Serving in Iraq

U.S. Army Capt. Dan Tower of Attleboro has shared his thoughts on war, serving his nation and being on deployment away from family and friends and what it means to him. Today, he shares his thoughts on Memorial Day:

"Our flag flies at half staff each Memorial Day to express our profound gratitude for the acts of brave patriots who gave the full measure of devotion so that we might live free," Tower writes. "We place flags and flowers on their graves and speak briefly of what they did. But at times, I have to ask myself, is this truly enough?

"In our hearts we know that we cannot truly thank these brave men and women with mere words or gestures," he adds. "They did not die for words or wreaths alone; they died so that we would be free."

"I feel I must ask you all for one great favor here this Memorial Day," he writes in a plea on his personal Facebook page. "Before you go to the beach or the pool or a cook-out, before you have parties and your beers, I request that you please take a few moments to think about those serving overseas and those who have given so much to our country.

"Please honor those who gave their lives in the service of liberty. Salute those who protect our families and us and remember that freedom isn’t given, it’s earned."