Pat Cleary.com

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a day reserved to honor soldiers who fell in service to the Nation. Graves were decorated on this day, and still are.

Our friends at Touchstone Energy electrical cooperatives serve many military bases. They have worked hard to ensure that those who have had trouble making ends meet due to long deployments are accommodated. One of the bases they serve is Camp Pendleton, California. They asked for -- and were given -- special permission from the brass there to film a group of troops returning home from Iraq.

The product of that effort can be seen in this 2-minute "Welcome Home" video, a brief but moving account of one very special day. We await and pray for the safe return of all our troops. And, by the way, if you see a Vietnam Vet today, remember to tell them "Welcome Home" as well, even if it's thirty years late.

Please take a moment today to remember all those who have served and especially those who have given their lives in defense of freedom around the globe.