Honoring A Hero This Memorial Day With Heartfelt Memories

We have all heard the saying "WE WILL NEVER FORGET." I said those words when one of my best friends from high school paid the ultimate price when he gave his life in November of 2006 in Iraq.

I WILL NEVER FORGET JOHN PRIESTNER.

My friend, John Priestner was a giving person, in fact, he gave back the civilian life to rejoin the services. He left behind a wife and kids to do what he thought needed to be done.

He was deployed to Iraq and ended up giving up his life during Iraqi Freedom. He paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy the life that we have today and God help me if I EVER forget what he and so many others have done for us.

I have a scar behind my ear that reminds me of him. He wasn't directly responsible but I would be more than happy to tell the story if you want to hear it. I was a part of his wedding to Teresa and sadly, part of his memorial. I was honored to do both but I would have been fine if the latter didn't happen at all.

When I start to get depressed over my first-world problems, I need to remind myself that sometimes it's about something bigger. John knew that and did something about it, he was a bigger man than me.

Honoring The Fallen Over The Memorial Day Weekend

If you knew John, then your world was better for it. He was a loving husband and father and did what he felt he needed to do. I can't believe that it's been almost 20 years already since John has left us and I won't forget it now.

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I hope that you have a nice weekend and a meaningful Memorial Day. Take some time away from your picnics, barbecues and family get-togethers and honor the men and women that gave their lives, so we can live ours in freedom. Who will you honor this Memorial Day Weekend?