It was 1970, and Nick had just graduated from Alcona High School.

He was thinking about whether he wanted to receive technical training at Alpena Community College, work at Huron Portland Cement, move downstate to work at an automotive plant, or join the military to obtain a skill.

Just after lunch, his mother went to the mailbox and returned with a bundle of mail.

Under the rubberband holding the stack was a brown envelope addressed to Nick. It was from the U.S. government. For a few seconds, he held it in his left hand and then tore open the flap. It was an Order to Report for Induction in Detroit on June 23, 1970.

His future was decided for him.

On June 22, he boarded a Greyhound bus and traveled to Detroit. Enroute, the bus picked up more inductees in Tawas, Standish, Bay City, Saginaw, Flint, and Brighton. He spent the night at Detroit’s aging Hotel Tuller, located near Grand Circus Park.

The next morning, at 5:45 a.m., a green Army bus shuttled 34 Michigan youth to the Fort Wayne Induction Center. By mid-afternoon, Nick was on another bus enroute to Fort Dix, New Jersey for eight weeks of training.

After training, he returned home for 10 days. On day 11, Nick was departing Freeland’s Tri-City Airport with connections to Los Angeles. There, he received a three-day orientation. On day four, he boarded a Boeing 707 jet and was enroute to Vietnam.

Upon arrival, Nick underwent five days of additional training and was assigned to a forward infantry unit.

The war, the jungle, and the unknown laid before him and the 38 others in his platoon. The unit was led by a first lieutenant with six months of combat experience.

On Nov. 15, 1970, there was a knock on their door. A telegram was delivered to Nick’s parents.

The sobs and tears continued for hours. His remains would arrive back in Michigan within 10 days and be transported back to Alcona County.

Nick lies in Lincoln’s Twin Lakes Cemetery. A cross with his name is one of many at Alpena’s Little Flanders Field. His name is on a memorial plaque in an Alcona Veterans Hall.

That is one of the many stories behind the meaning of Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day. The holiday first occurred after the Civil War in 1868.

From the American Revolution, the War of 1812, America’s movement into the Great Plains and West, the Civil War, China’s Boxer Rebellion, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Lebanon, Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, and other engagements, as well as during peacetime, family members and friends will recall the men and women who served.

This coming Monday, May 29, offers a time to reflect and honor those who gave the ultimate in support of our freedom.

The flags fly and the bugles play. As the “Star-Spangled Banner” plays, place your hand over your heart or offer a snappy hand salute. Later, perhaps a prayer at a picnic or barbecue.

Please join me and millions of other Americans this coming Monday in giving humble appreciation to our veterans.

I have memories of a dozen-plus in my life who served.

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for various Michigan newspapers. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the secretary of the navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.