With war on, Americans have troops in mind

More family men and women in the war zone also means more dependents to care for in the wake of combat casualties. The 2,404 men and 55 women killed in Iraq have left an estimated 1,700 children without their parent.

In concluding his second presidential inaugural speech in 1865, Abraham Lincoln spoke of the need "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan."

In that same spirit, Congress this year voted to increase the "death gratuity" for service member survivors from $12,000 to $100,000 and to increase group life insurance payments from $250,000 to $400,000.

Last week, members of Congress heard testimony on the estimated 200,000 homeless veterans. "In the battlefield of life, they are wounded, and we cannot leave them behind," said Rep. Bob Filner (D) of Calif., who convened the forum.

Like other programs in at least three dozen states, the University of Minnesota this fall will begin waiving tuition costs for children of war casualties. "It's our responsibility to watch over the families of those soldiers who have watched over us and paid the ultimate price," said state Rep. Lloyd Cybart (R), an Air Force veteran.

Communities and local businesses around the country are finding ways to bring a bit of home to service members halfway around the world. Earlier this month, Vermonters sent 825 gallons of maple syrup to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

"Memorial Day is about thanking those who are there and honoring those who didn't come back," says Rick Marsh, president of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association. "So we're sending them a little bit of Vermont, a little thank-you."

Meanwhile, some Memorial Day services this weekend will bring the war closer to home. At Shiloh National Cemetery in rural Tennessee, a children's choir will sing the National Anthem and military hymns. High school thespians will read last letters sent home by American soldiers.

Among these is one that Marine Cpl. Blake Mounce meant for his wife after his death. Killed last July when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb, he was buried on his 23rd birthday.

"To read that over and to know that he was aware of the danger that might possibly happen and wanted to send that last message to her, that's especially poignant," says Woody Harrell, superintendent of Shiloh National Military Park.

In addition to the parades and speeches, many Americans will observe the official National Moment of Remembrance (one minute at 3 p.m. local time).

Rita Payne, who runs Roman Catholic programs at Fort Campbell, sees a growing reverence for Memorial Day.

"There is a more deepening of faith, of spirituality and just prayerfulness," she says. "People take it upon themselves to do something positive, and prayer seems to be our greatest weapon right now."

• Patrik Jonsson in Atlanta, Amy Green in Nashville, and Chris Gaylord in Boston contributed to this report.

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