In honor of Memorial Day, I’d like to share a story from my work as a journalist.

I covered a lot of military stories over the years— from the frontlines in Kosovo, to being with the PA National Guard flying over the still-smoldering twin towers in NYC after the September 11-th attacks.

One of the most moving stories I had the privilege of telling was flying to Utah with Aggie Cohen, the mother of U.S. Marine David Cohen who was killed in Iraq. We traveled to the remote desert home of painter, Kaziah Hancock.

Kaziah— whose paintings sell for tens of thousands of dollars— paints our fallen military men and women from photographs their families send her… for free.

But she had never had anyone watch her bring them to life with paint and canvas, until our story.

When Aggie met Kaziah and stepped into her embrace, it was like watching an angel spread her wings and close them around a mother whose wounds were so badly in need of healing. My photographer and I witnessed their tears, and watched them realize the gifts they were going to give each other.

To the loved ones remembering David Cohen, Rob Seidel and Martin Kondor (and far too many others)… it was one of the greatest honors of my life to share the pain of your loss, so that we may all better understand their, and your, bravery and sacrifices.

Today, as pools open and hamburgers hit the grill, I hope you will join me in taking time to reflect on what this day is really about… and give thanks for those who gave everything to keep us safe.

Janelle Stelson