NOVI, MI

After the debates on September 26, 2008, the nation knows now why presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama wear their bracelets, but what about average Americans from all over the country who have their own stories of loved ones lost on 9/11, or fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan? The Why Wear blog, sponsored by Memorial Bracelets, is where they have been sharing their stories of lost heroes and victims of terrorism.

The blog of postings, dating back to 2004, by those wearing Memorial Bracelets(TM) chronicles the emotions of U.S. citizens impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stories from grieving Americans wanting to keep a friend or family member in their hearts and minds by wearing a Memorial Bracelet include this from Thelma, a self-described very PROUD Navy Mom and still grieving Air Force Aunt.

"Raymond was our nephew. He was like a son to my husband and myself. I stood across from him as his first child was born and watched a boy become a man/father. Losing him was like losing our own son who is in the US Navy and was in Iraq aboard the USS Constellation when his cousin was killed. On Oct. 18, we will be in San Diego watching our son sail away again to parts unknown to do his duty once again as a Sailor in the US Navy. We just hope and pray he and all the others come home safely."

To read hundreds of other stories of why Americans all over this great land are wearing Memorial Bracelets to honor the memory of a military casualty or lost loved one so that they are never forgotten, visit the Why Wear blog.