They place flowers to love and honor our fallen military heroes

After Ami Neiberger's younger brother was killed in Iraq, she needed to find a special way to remember him on Memorial Day. She found it through bonding with Gold Star families at Arlington National Cemetery-and handing out flowers to be placed on soldiers' graves

- Diane Herbst

Normally, on Memorial Day, Ami Neiberger would attend a holiday barbecue with family and friends. But in 2008, the Virginia resident made her way to Arlington National Cemetery, her heart heavy with grief. Nine months earlier just three days after his 22nd birthday her beloved brother, U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Neiberger, had been out on patrol in Baghdad when the Humvee he was riding in hit an IED and blew up, killing him.

Since he was a young boy, Christopher had been patriotic, an Eagle Scout who always admired military service. After two years at Florida State University, he enlisted in the Army, a desire fueled by the 9/11 terror attacks. Serving his country meant everything to Christopher.

So, spending Memorial Day with him seemed the best way to honor her brother.

Ami walked down a hill to Christopher's grave in Section 60, where many other service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are also buried.

She spread out a blanket next to Christopher's white marble gravestone and lay down next to him. "We all miss you and are so proud," she told him through tears.