This American flag, triangularly folded, honors my father’s WWII military service and was presented to our family for his funeral in 2003.

On the left is my father, photographed just after the Japanese surrender in 1945. The aircraft carrier on which he served, the USS Barnes, was assigned to occupation duty in Japan and this photo was taken in Tokyo Bay. What these men and others of their generation gave those of us who followed is immeasurable. This week, especially, I will take time to remember this…