From our friend Carl Sommer:

While you’re on the subject of Memorial Day and the ancients, you might want to provide your readers with a link to the funeral oration of Pericles, given on the day the Athenians had chosen to honor those who died in the Peloponesian War. It’s too heavy on praise of Athens for moedern tastes, but it gives insight into the attitude of the pagans toward their dead. Enjoy the holiday!