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We always performed for our church, but we also just performed whenever the family got together.

Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.

When I was young, I was dedicated to become a minister - my brothers and I were formally brought in front of the congregation in a dedication ceremony, where we were dedicated to the future service of God.

When I was a deacon, my father took me and my older brother to general priesthood meeting in the Tabernacle. I remember how thrilled I was to be in the presence, for the first time, of the prophet of God, President Heber J. Grant, and the other prophets and apostles.

I was blown away by the standing ovation. I've had tributes before, sure, but I don't retain that feeling, and I wasn't prepared for it on Tuesday. But maybe you shouldn't retain these things or you'd be on a permanent high.

I honored the fallen enemy by placing a stone on his beautiful grave.

I sang at the Inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral.

I have decorated soldiers for heroism before, and it was always such an honor to do it.

No one else has performed in a play after they've died, and I want to be the first person to do it.

Personally, it was a big honor for me meeting so many families of the fallen soldiers and hearing their stories.