Modern Memorial Day is full of Facebook posts and tweets saluting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America. Among many servicemen and veterans, a special tradition has arisen. Many of us keep the watch for particular people whom we knew or with whom we served, calling attention to them on Memorial Day or with special remembrance posts on the day they died.

Every year on March 4, some of my old comrades and I take time to think and post about Sgt. Seth Garceau. Though I served with then-Spc. Garceau in the Iowa Army National Guard, I was in Afghanistan when I heard the sad news from Iraq.