Today I had planned on going to the local cemetery to attend the Memorial Day Observances.

However, I decided I did not want to be in a large crowd, even if it was out in the open.

I did however, think about those who had given their life for our country.

I remembered the brother of one of my ancestors who died in the Civil War.

I also thought of several other family members who had fought in the Civil War with some of them also losing their life in the conflict.

I thought of my 3rd Great Grandfather Silas Calvin Ramsey who did not die in the Civil War, but who was discharged for illness. He tried to re-enlist but was denied. He was a Blacksmith in the Iowa Cavalry. After the war he continued to work with horses and mules.

I also had memories today of going to cemeteries in Iowa on Memorial Day and hearing the gun salutes.

Steven