As is true every year, Memorial Day weekend was not easy for me. Those of us who have served, those of us who have lost friends and comrades, those of us who have known loss - we will never forget.

But there are certain times certain things that spur our memories. This weekend was one of those for me. It is not just a time for remembrance, but a time for caring. A time for me to think of those who I have lost, and to think of those they left behind.

To those who have been there, I salute you. To those who have stood on that wall, and held back the forces of evil and chaos, I will ever stand with you.

To those I have lost, and to those we left behind, please forgive me for failing in my duty to bring you home. I will see you soon enough, but until then, know that my watch continues. Your families will always be mine as well.

Absent comrades.