Citizens of Humboldt, Iowa—population 5,000—gather in Bicknell Park on a humid and sticky May morning to remember their dead.

The solemn young mouth of Billy Saul, son of Creston and Penni Saul, recites the poem “In Flander’s Field.” His words float through a soggy Midwestern breeze.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved…

Dawn Traeger, her daughter Bridget, and their terrier Skye are among the faces in the crowd at the Memorial Day service on May 29, 2006. Skye, who is considered a part of the Traeger family, is wearing a red, white, and blue scarf around her neck.

“It was a special day. I was feeling patriotic. I had this scarf, and I tied it on her,” Dawn explained.

For Dawn Traeger, the service brings to mind the lives that have been lost, especially those lost so recently in Iraq and on 9/11. “I wish there would be a stop to war, but I don’t know if that will ever happen,” she said.

Caps come off and hands instinctively cover hearts when the school’s band director begins leading the musicians through the national anthem.

Bridget has been a member of the school band since fifth grade. She raises the clarinet to her lips and begins to play.

And the rockets’ red glare. The bombs bursting in air.

“I think pets tie people together. Pets open people up to one another and unite us,” Dawn said.