Memorial Day Brings Back Memory Of Fallen Soldiers

For many families of fallen soldiers, there's a different feeling this Memorial Day.

Betty Crawford of Beverly, Mass. says the death of Osama bin Laden four weeks ago provides some comfort now, as she thinks about the loss of her son, Stephen Fortunato.

After bin Laden's death, "I wrote on my Facebook page 'All of our fallen soldiers are dancing in heaven,'" Crawford told Morning Edition's Bob Oakes.

Fortunato enlisted in the Army because of bin Laden and the terrorism of Sept. 11. He died when his truck hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2008. Fortunato was 25 years old.

This Memorial Day, Crawford said she wants everyone to pause and think about the soldiers who have died in the service.

"Although we have many cookouts and barbecues to celebrate, we have to remember why we are here enjoying this wonderful country of ours," Crawford said.

Crawford was the grand marshal of the city of Beverly's Memorial Day parade Sunday.