Memorial Day will be a day of quite thought, remembrance and tears for those whose loved ones gave their lives in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

And, “God willing,” Charlie “Sarge” Dunn, age 92, will be at the Memorial Day Service at Bicentennial Park on Monday.

“I will be there to remember those who gave their lives for me, for all of us,” Dunn said. “I want to be there to salute our flag, the American Flag, and those that have served and been blessed to come home to enjoy life that was bought at such a high cost.”

Dunn served 22 years in the Army, including the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“I wanted to serve my country but there is always the thought that you may not come home,” said. “But, with prayer and God’s help, you realize why you are there … to help bring peace to America and to our world.”

Dunn was 20 years when he joined the Army but, even at that age, he understood what freedom means.

“But, I knew that God was in charge and I prayed every day for a time when there would be no war and no killing. I walked away from war, but far too many didn’t,” Dunn said. “So, for me, it is important that we remember those that didn’t come home. On Memorial Day, if I can, I want to stand up and salute the American flag and all those who have and are keeping it flying for us.”

When “Taps” is played on Memorial Day, Sarge Dunn’s prayer is that he can stand up and salute America’s flag and the many who gave their lives “for me.”