Happy Memorial Day

I want to wish all service men and women (past and present) a happy Memorial Day. We are thinking about you and are keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. I also do not want to forget about soldiers of a four-legged variety, such as those honored by the Alabama War Dog Memorial (please visit http://www.awdm.org/).

I have had the opportunity to assist members of our armed services with their own estate planning. It is always an honor to be a part of that process and it is particularly somber to know that this client is willingly placing themselves in a position of harm. It makes the documents, such as a Will and Durable Power of Attorney, seem that much more important.

Military deployment is also a time where many service members may consider utilizing an Ethical Will as a part of their estate plan. An ethical will is a writing wherein an individual shares his thoughts and feelings about his friends and family. It may also be an opportunity for a parent or grandparent to share words of wisdom for future generations.

I recently read a touching story about a soldier in Iraq who kept a journal for his young son. Many of the entries mentioned the possibility of his death, which were made all the more poignant by the fact that this soldier was killed in action. It was an incredible tragedy, but at the same time this man left an amazing gift for his family.