During October 1970, a young U.S. Army soldier was killed when the military vehicle he was driving hit a land mine on a Vietnamese jungle road.
He is one of the more than 58,000 military personnel who were killed or died during the Vietnam War. His name, along with the other brave souls, is inscribed on the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C.
For over 30 years on Memorial Day or within a week after this date, I make my annual trek to Roma, Texas, place an American flag on his grave and silently say a short prayer honoring his military service to this great country.
His name was Angel Jose Moreno. He was my first cousin.
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of the month of May. It is a day to honor Americans who gave their lives fighting for the ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
Many people also honor deceased military veterans by placing flags and flowers on their graves. This date is also very important to me because I also place a flag on my father’s grave who honorably served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Hopefully, my Creator will give me another 30 years to honor all deceased military veterans on this very sad and solemn day.
Please don’t forget the real reason for Memorial Day.
Silvestre Moreno Mercedes
