Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31, this year in the United States.  The most important thing Americans do on Memorial Day is honor military service members who gave their lives serving in the nation's wars or who died as a result of their combat injuries. 

​Many novels, memoirs, histories, and films tell the story of the men and women--sometimes known and more often unknown to most people--honored on Memorial Day.

Among the many are two young Marines--Corporal Jonathan T. Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter--who gave their lives in the line of duty.  Their actions on April 22, 2008, saved over 150 U.S. Marines and Iraqi Police.  It all happened in Ramadi, Iraq, which at the time was one of the most dangerous towns on Earth.

I learned about their inspirational actions from the following speech and film.  You can, too. 

Good suggestions, but if it hasn't come together for you or you'd like to up your game, then check out one or more of the following five books for ideas.​