Christmas tree, Yule tree or Tannenbaum (German: for pinetree) is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. It is a symbol of the promise of life to come after months of cold winter.

Soldiers and their families are shouldering an entire nation’s burden in the Iraq war: 3,430 dead, 25,000 wounded thousands more battling mental health issues. This Memorial Day weekend, it’s not about barbecues, beaches or holiday sales. It’s about them.