Never, ever forget.

It is largely hidden from us as we go about our daily routines, but our troops are still fighting, and dying, in lands far away.

Today — especially today — let us pray for the families of all those who have suffered loss in our nation’s service.

Let us pray that the hope that is Easter finds their hearts and offers them comfort and solace.

A father salutes the casket of his son at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado, honoring Lance Cpl. Christopher Mies when he arrived home.*

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty;
if your cup is full, may it be again.
Let it be known there is a fountain
that was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
between the dawn and the dark of night,
and if you go no one my follow.
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
when there is no pebble tossed,
nor wind to blow.

But if you fall, you fall alone.
If you should stand then who’s to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home. **

*Source: The Official Homepage of the United States Army.
** Robert Hunter & the Grateful Dead