This is my first memorial Day without my father, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, who we buried in Arlington National Cemetary last autumn.

Actually, Charmion, we celebrate both - Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. The former originally commemorated the dead of the Civil War, the Union (Northern) side first, then later the Confederate side as well. It now recognizes all deceased veterans. The latter was originally called Armistice Day, and is the same as Remembrance Day - the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It was one of the few dates the Federal government didn't manage to screw up with the Monday Holiday Bill.   Veterans Day supposedly honors both living and dead vets.

I'm personally not sure why we need to observe both, although it does provide an additional excuse for sales and a day off. {ducks and runs for cover...}