Ever watch a movie or read a book that struck you deep to your core? Well…this past weekend I went through such an experience. It kind of started at church Sunday when my pastor mentioned that Memorial Day had seemingly evolved into more of a day for picnics and less a reason to remember our veterans. I pondered that…and sure ’nuff, those words painted me like Van Gogh. When I thought of Memorial Day, my thoughts went to burgers on the grill and volleyball in the pool. Not bad things, and certainly stuff well worth looking forward to (especially when they are burgers crafted with pride like my brother-in-law Michael does them). I had seen a small part…an end to a movie earlier in the weekend, and it caused me to seek out the whole thing. For an hour or so on Monday I’d find a meager way to remember the Veterans by watching the movie. If you get a moment…go out and find “Taking Chance” starring Kevin Bacon. In a nutshell, a Marine named Chance Phelps dies in battle and Kevin Bacon’s character (a Marine colonel) accompanies Chance’s remains from Dover, DE to his final resting place in Wyoming. It shows the love and care each person in the process of getting a soldier home from combat exhibits as they attend to every small detail, then it shows how the escort and the flag draped remains touch people all along the way. The story is true…and the sacrifice made for our country is very real. The movie is very well made and had me boo-hooing just about the whole time. I love my country, and I love all those who have served, and this is a very sharp reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day if you need (like me) to get nudged a bit. Called Out Quartet would like to thank all the men and women who serve or have served this fine country. Also a special thanks to the wives and husbands of those men and women serving today. We love and appreciate you all…and not just on Memorial Day…

Von and all the guys at CO4