Lowering our flags to half-staff has been an all-too-familiar sight lately, AWB President Don Brunell writes in his weekly column.
The solemn act that recognizes fallen heroes -- whether in the armed forces or a Seattle officer killed in the line of duty -- is a vivid reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who serve us.
But too often, we fail to remember the family members of the fallen once the flags go back to the top of the pole and some time passes, Brunell writes.
In his call to action, Brunell shares the story of Father Tim Vakoc -- the only military chaplain to die from injuries sustained in Iraq-- and his own brief contact with Vakoc a few years ago.
"Hopefully, this Veterans Day we will not only pause and remember but go the extra step to help those grieving families," Brunell writes.