Last March, while in Texas for a visit with my Mom, I went to see my father's grave for the first time since he passed away in November 2004.

My Dad, a decorated veteran of 39 months of combat duty with the United States Army during World War II, is buried on a hilltop in the Veterans National Cemetery in Dallas.

It's a beautiful and peaceful place, there among his fellow veterans who served this country and fought and sacrified so much for our own freedom and that of countless others.

My Mom at my father's grave, US Army veteran Joseph Kish, Veterans National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

On this Memorial Day I remember Dad and pay tribute to him, and to all the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation throughout its history.

Thank you.

It's ironic but fitting that Dad, ever the manager, is buried across from the cemetery administration building. No doubt he is watching over and directing how things are being run.

On the walkway up to the admin building there is a large chunk of granite with a plaque attached. On it is a poem that I'd like to share with you today, this special day of remembrance:

The Bivouac of the Dead
By Theodore O'Hara

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards, with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead.