For our heroes and those to come...

To start off my blog on this day of remembrance, here is our National Anthem from American Idol 11 Finalist Jessica Sanchez:

Did you know that Memorial Day started as "Decoration Day" in 1868 to remember fallen Union soliders from the Civil War? I don't know my family history that far back, but today I reflect on those represented by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and someone's loved one lost in military service for our great Nation. I remember my grandfather who worked on submarines out of San Francisco (Mare Island) during his time in World War I. I also revere on this day current veterans, like my brothers who served tours in Korea and Bosnia for the Army. My nephew now follows in his dad's footsteps, currently stationed as a mechanic in the Air Force on the East Coast.

Like the National Anthem above, here is another video from the 2012 National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. It features Warm artists Daughtry performing their hit single Home- with so much symbolism to our Armed Forces members past and present.

I saw this next video and couldn't help but share on this National day. I'm a huge supporter of the Olympic Games and with a month and a half left until the Summer Edition in London, One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder lends a hand to this inspirational song. Enjoy, go USA, and find time to remember today...