Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a deeply stirring account of two soldiers from the same family but vastly different eras weaved together. It's Memorial Day 1993, when 13-year-old Kyle Vogel (Bond) stumbles upon his grandfather Bud's (Cromwell) World War II footlocker. Though reluctant to discuss the war with his grandson, Bud strikes a deal with Kyle: he'll tell the stories of any three objects from the footlocker that Kyle chooses. As we flash back to see Bud's WWII tales (the younger Bud played by James Cromwell, the son) from Europe unfold through his souvenirs and memories, we also flash forward to see how the present day Staff Sergeant, Kyle Vogel's (Bennett) experiences in Iraq parallel them—and how that day on the porch with his grandfather will affect how he ultimately deals with the losses, regrets, and moral dilemmas that unite all soldiers across all wars and generations. Based on a story by Jeff Traxler, Kyle O'Malley, and Marc Conklin. (Gary Reber)