Tomorrow is Decoration Day, as that is what the Civil War Veterans and their families wished to call it.

Tomorrow is "Decoration Day" as that is what the Civil War Veterans wished to call it in 1868, with both Union and Confederate families decorating soldiers graves at Arlington. A few decades ago, it was changed to Memorial Day. It is not to be confused with Veterans Day. Tomorrow, we remember those who died while serving, with Veterans Day is for all who served. As there is no official day to honor the many other hero's in each of our life's, we piggy back on Decoration Day to honor those of our family, neighbors and friends who have passed. It is fitting and proper to do so. Although many have not had the means to travel to Arlington National Cemetery, it is a hallowed opportunity of a life time to walk there or at Gettysburg. A true American can not walk in either place without tears of emotion erupting. If you can't make those trips, then walk through our cemeteries wherever you see a flag placed. Today, I pay homage to all those living and dead that served in the military, from one day to a career of it, they all did more than I did. They did it out of nobility, courage and sworn duty to protect us the citizen. Yesterday, I had the great opportunity to return a World War I bayonet to the proper heirs of the man who carried it in battle. Bill Ockey carried the Remington 30-40 Craig in the Great War To End All Wars. On his return to Nephi, Bill borrowed the gun to our family for deer hunts, as Bill was not interested in ever touching a gun again. After the passing of Bill, the rifle was returned to his son-Paul, then after his passing, it went to Bill's daughter Emma, who again passed it to her daughter-Debbie Carter Sperry. In going through my various historical boxes, I discovered the bayonet that had been packed away many years ago. We presented it to her yesterday, and she wasn't even aware there was a bayonet to the rifle, but was pleased to add it to her grandfathers rifle and will also give her the shells for it. The other photo is of me presenting the bayonet to Debbie's son in law who is holding the hundred year old battle ready rifle. If you are a high school kid and go fast past her home, be on the look out for a feisty woman who carries a World War One rifle with a bayonet attached. The photo should show other war relics including a bayonet used by a German soldier to fight us and an up close date of 1917 on Bills bayonet. The German bayonet is an 1891 model, manufactured by Weyersberg Kirschbaun and Co. of Solingen, Germany, used on a Mauser rifle. That was brought back from Germany during a historical visit there. We also have a sword believed to be from the Nephi Regiment of the Mormon Militia; 30-40 Craig bullets; .45 caliber bullets from a World War One Nephi officer; Viet Nam U.S. Army Ring; and instructions on how to fire a cannon of the 145th Artillery of the U.S. Army. To the cop on the beat; the fireman and military, I honor those who are willing to go in to the fight mode while the rest of us take cover. I honor thee. May we never forget.