Memorial Day. It's the day set aside to honor the memory of our loved ones who have passed away. Also called Decoration Day, it has a significant meaning to the survivors of fallen veterans. Among the many brilliantly colored flower arrangements and wreaths, American flags are placed on the graves of veterans.

To Norman Hecimovich, current president of the Memorial Day Committee of the Austin area, attending the Memorial Day events is more than a privilege -- it’s a duty.

During his military career, he served in Korea and Vietnam, and when the army reserves were called to serve in the Desert Storm conflict, he temporarily left his post as principal with the Austin Public

Schools to once again serve his country.

Being a veteran himself, he knows of many soldiers who died in the line of duty.

"At the Memorial Day service, I have given support talks in memory of our fallen comrades," he says. "In each program we have a minister from Austin to do the service."

Hecimovich maintains that his strong Christian faith has supported his actions all throughout his life, in the military service as well as his civilian position as administrator with the Austin schools. He is convinced that the power of prayers to support faith makes for a stronger person and a stronger society.

"This support has given me rewards in school, it helped me through open heart surgery and now cancer treatment -- it helps me in all activities in my like," he said. "Every organization I belong to supports my religious faith -- The American Legion, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the Elks and the Masons -- every organization opens and closes with prayer to support our faith."

This Memorial Day, if not every day, we all need to remember and honor all those, who through generation after generation have fought and died for the freedom of our country. For those who return and are able to tell about it, memories of the horrors and miseries of the war might cause physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Having a strong faith and trust in God's power, however, makes a great difference in one’s own healing power. The support and gratitude from family and friends, even the entire community, is of imminent importance to the veterans.

Norman Hecimovich, a veteran military leader, believes every word he says while pledging allegiance to the American flag: " … one nation under God, indivisible …" Displayed below his American flag, waving softly in the morning breeze, is the black POW-MIA flag, declaring that the Prisoners Of War and Missing In Action are not forgotten.

Ever thankful for his Christian faith, Norman stresses that God’s guidance and strength have helped him to become the strong family man and a leader on the military as well the civilian scene.