Produce storm surges and flooding across the state. Straight to cnn meteorologist chad myers in the cnn Weather Center now with the very latest. The season beginning a little early. It is. The gulf of mexico, about one or two degrees warmer than it should be. The atlantic one or two degrees colder than where it should be. Maybe well flipflop the start here. A subTropical Storm, a 60mileperhour update, from the 11 00 advisory, thats down 5 Miles Per Hour and thats the good news. This isnt going to be a wind event. This isnt going to be a monster windmaker knocking down everything in its path. This is a rain event making flash flooding. The flooding we saw near baltimore yesterday had nothing to do with this storm system. But more rain may move up into the baltimore, Washington Area as the storm moves to the north and tails off to the east. The immediate threat is mississippi, alabama, parts of georgia and certainly florida, with 6 inches of rain possible in any one area and if that happens in three to four hours, all of a sudden were going to seat same kind of flooding that you can see anytime a Tropical Storm comes on shore. One more thing, three feet of surge, maybe even four feet, already three in apalachicola, thats on top of where the high tide is still to come, thats about four, five hours still away. So the water still going up if youre in the back bay. The storm does not look impressive on the radar. It is not an impressive storm. Thats why it is a subTropical Storm. Hardly any clouds and convection around part of the center. This thing didnt develop the way it could have, probably and would have two months from now when the water was much warmer. Chad, thank you. Appreciate it. As we mentioned, were awaiting the arrival of President Trump at Arlington National cemetery. That is where we find cnns Barbara Starr. I know you have been speaking with a number of people there this morning to honor those that they have lost. Reporter good morning. We are hear down the hill from where the president is expected to arrive. It is a misty morning here, a very soft, gentle, misty rain is beginning to fall. Youre seeing some umbrellas go up. Nobody is leaving here. This is a place that really has become a pilgrimage of sorts on memorial day where families come to honor their loved ones, friends, battle buddies. We met one family a short time ago, we had spoken to them over the years here, the great grandmother is 94. The youngest member of the family is 7 months old. They are here to honor their Fallen Service member. We are we are seeing the years go by here. We have come here almost every year for the last 13 years or so. Reconnected with a family earlier today. The gold star mother came up to me and i said, gee, you know, i lost track, how many years . She said to me my son died 13 years ago. So we are seeing that passage of time here. People come here every year, they want to pay their respects to the u. S. Military. It is the same scene in cemeteries and towns across america today. As we have said this is memorial day, 2018, enjoy, go to the cookout, go to the beach, go to the mall, see your friends. But take a moment and remember those who have given all for service to the country. Back to you. That is certainly the message, so important to remember why we have all of the freedoms on the memorial day and every other day for that matter. Appreciate it as always. Also with us, cnn military analyst, retired Major General james spider marks and retired general mark hartling. It has understandably added significance for the two of you. Give us a sense, what is different for you on memorial day as you look back, as you watch the events unfold each year . Erica, thank you for having me and also mark, good day to you, my man. This is an incredibly special day, but, you know, as a veteran, as a soldier, soldier all my life, every day is a day for in giving us an opportunity to reflect and be thankful for all of those around us. The only reason we continue to serve is because we have immense sacrifices taking place every day and you get to be part of all of that. On this day in particular, it is a benchmark. It is an opportunity to remember, take an opportunity, take a step back, be a little be reflective, think about it, and really remember that, you know, we dont need at this time to be boisterous about making America Great again, america is great, and this is an opportunity for us to honor all of those who made America Great. Look, mark and i spent a lot of time in uniform, a lot of time in harms way, and we both put great young men and women in the ground based on their sacrifices. And i have to tell you there is nothing that is more humbling and you have to be thankful for those families that offered up the most precious treasure we have, which is the sons and daughters, to go forward to really protect the nation, make this nation great. So we need to think about it, because if we dont think about it, we become aimless, we become rudderless, and we end up losing our bearings and we will never allow that to happen. So, erica, again, thanks for allowing me to think about it a little bit with you today. We always appreciate it. And it is so important to have your perspective as well. You have been there your entire life. When we look at this, part of what we heard too was the importance of remembering those who have given all and their families every single day you wrote about that for cnn. Com. And you talked about this box that you have, it has 253 cards in it, of Fallen Soldiers who will forever be frozen at that point in their lives. Talk to us about that and why it is so important for you every single day to make sure their sacrifice matters. You know, erica, ill just reinforce what spider said. Not a lot of people know this, but were classmates from west point, we both entered the service on the same day in 1971, and im sure back then as young people you know we didnt understand the implications of the ultimate sacrifice, like we see so much today. But because we have been in combat multiple times and we have asked young soldiers to put their lives on the line, it means a whole lot different today than it did way back then. You know, it is interesting to have arlington, the ceremony today, where the president will speak, to be representative of the 130 plus National Cemeteries across the country, and the more than 30 National Cemeteries around the world where american soldiers, sailers, airmen and marines are buried, to just have this ceremony as the representation of that, and to know the faces that are represented by those crosses and stars of davids and crescents that lie on top of where our soldiers lie. You know, spider said it best, and i also want to reinforce what Barbara Starr said, you know, shes been meeting the same people now who are attending the ceremony and section 60 that spider and i have both walked through, that contains the remains of many of the people who we fought with. And it is awe inspiring to see the parents, the wives, the spouses, the children who are all growing up now, who had their soldier spouse sacrifice themselves in ware, that sometimes they dont even understand, but that when america soldiers are asked to fight by the politicians because of civilian controlled military, we do so. Thats something that shouldnt be taken lightly as spider just said. Absolutely not. Part of the families that barbara spoke with, multiple generations there to honor those who have fallen. One as young as 7 months old, but every year each generation keeps coming to make sure that they continue to mark this day together as a family. You know, erica, if i can say this, as they do the tomb the placement of the wreath at the tomb of the unknowns, which doesnt just contain one soldier, it contains the remain of four Service Members, were not quite sure which services they represent, and thats why it is called the tomb of the unknowns, it is just fascinating that this same kind of ceremony is taking place all over the world. I had opportunities to speak at many of the American Battlefield cemeteries in europe, where local citizens and normandy, france, and netherlands and luxembourg, they literally, the local citizens of those countries adopt the graves of american soldiers and take care of those graves because they realize how much they contributed to the liberation of their countries. And thats an awe inspiring place to be as well. Not just arlington, a place once a plantation that belonged to robert e. Lees wifes family and taken over during the civil war and almost as a punishment general officer started burying civil war dead around the custis house which started the tradition of arlington as a national cemetery. Now we have some 400,000 who are interned there and who we are paying tribute today and were remembering. As we wait for the ceremony, you bring up the point of the tomb of the unknowns. For anyone who made the visit to arlington, it is so moving to watch the old guard, the third u. S. Infantry, 24 hours a day as we know in full dress uniform, theyre there, guarding this tomb. Talk to us about why it is so important to remember those who have not been found . Who did not come home and whose families dont know where they are. Yeah. You know, erica, it is the first duty of every soldier, the first duty of every soldier is to remember. If we dont remember, we forget the lessons of the past, we make mistakes that become more costly, we put more young men and women at risk, and we end up sacrificing more than we should. We need to learn from the experiences. It really is, the very first thing we teach, everybody who enters the military, is to remember that you are joining an organization that is has never dishonored the nation, that had challenges and is always risen to the occasion and met every one of those challenges exceptionally well. Im in denver today because my motherinlaw lost her husband, my fatherinlaw died, killed in vietnam, in 1972, when mark and i were just finishing our first year at west point. Im out here with her. My parents, my father, a veteran, lived his life as a soldier, his father, my grandfather, lived his life as a soldier, my parents are no longer with me. So im with my motherinlaw and all of her family and all of those young men and women served. So we have this incredible gathering, this thread of continuity, if you will, over the course of 100 plus years that really allows me and kind of really fulsome color forces me to reflect and remember with my 91yearold motherinlaw, it is she has a jewel in her crown in heaven when she eventually gets there. Shes a saint. And i am absolutely blessed to be part of that. This ceremony that were watching right now, this day that were a part of right now really is a full reminder for everyone that this weekend is very special. It is okay to enjoy yourself. It is okay to spend time with family. It is okay to drink a beer and have a hot dog or a burger. It is okay to do that. But lets really understand the foundational reason why were together doing that, there have been great sacrifices that have given that gift to us. And as we wait, were seeing, of course, a number of the members of the administration arrive there, were waiting on the president. I want to pick up on one thing you said about your 91yearold motherinlaw. What does this day mean for her . How does she look at memorial day each year . Especially given the fact she gets to spend it with you. Well, it is really wonderful because she understands the sacrifice that her husband made, she understands that it was in a war that was exceptionally divisive. Cnn has a special about 1968, he was a Battalion Commander in vietnam in 1968, lost his life as i said in 1972. She understands all of that. But over the course of the year, this ark of life has given her an opportunity to, again, to reflect on all of that, she understands the sacrifices that needed to be made, sadly her husband was one of those. But he was doing exactly what he wanted to do with exactly with whom he wanted to do and he was at the right place at the right time. She understands all of that and embraces it, but she also sees in her seven children and her 26 grandchildren the eyes of her husband and realizes the continuity still there. I think it is an opportunity not to rejoice, but to embrace what occurred, and to embrace what has happened and what will continue to happen because we have a whole bunch of those young men and women continue to serve in todays wars. And as we talk about somebody who lost their life during vietnam, i remember my father, my uncle talking to me about serving during the vietnam era and how different it was when they came home versus what they see today for Service Members coming home. Mark, thats so important too, that the way this country looks on not just those who are lost, but those who are serving, has come a long way. We have come a long way and spider and i, again, were old guys, we have experienced that. When we entered west point in 1971, we were right at the cusp of the post vietnam era. Both of us thought we would be going to vietnam when we graduated. We didnt because the war was over in 1975. But, yeah, the military at the time was extremely different t was divided as spider said, there were racial issues, drug issues and it took a lot of unbelievably strong commanders and leaders to turn that around. As you look at the ceremony today, you see the Third Infantry Division guarding that tomb, the third old guard as we call it, and it is fascinating. I had a story ill double on spiders story a little bit differently when i was a young major, ways stationed in washington and was drinking in a bar down in Alexandria One day with a couple of other friends who one of them became a general officer as well. And about midnight, on a snowy january night, we just got into a discussion and we said, hey, you think that the guards at the tomb are as sharp at midnight as they are at 3 00 in the afternoon when the crowds are there . So we snuck up there, and sure enough, on a snowy night about three feet of snow, they were doing those 21 steps, 21 second pauses, doing exactly what they needed to do to guard that tomb when they they are remarkable, youre right, at every our of the day. Ill pause now. The president walking in here as we begin the ceremony, the laying of the wreath and the ceremony to honor the nations fallen heroes. Present the president laying the wreath there, todays ceremony will continue. Youll be hearing from speakers including defense secretary james mattis and President Trump as we honor the fallen on this memorial day. Stay with us. I feel a great deal of urgency. I think, keep going, and make a difference. At some point, we are going to be able to beat als. Because life is amazing. So i am hoping for a cure. I want this, to uh, to be a reality. Um, yeah. At crowne plaza, we know Business Travel isnt just business. Theres this. A bit of this. Why not . 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Well, erica, the iraq and afghan veterans of america actually had this great idea of taking a weekend that really is the end of the summer, it is the start of barbecue and beer drinking season for those who have just gotten out of school and their parents. So it is a fun time. We should be having fun on this weekend. But what they asked everyone to do is to pause at 3 00 this afternoon and take a moment to reflect on those who have given us our freedom and defended the constitution since 1783. It is has been a fascinating trip. If you look at all those who have given their life, made the ultimate sacrifice in americas various wars when they have been called and asked to serve, it is appropriate that we actually spend a little bit of time to do that. The reason i do it every day, truthfully, i have a box on my desk, which i talked about on cnn before, that has 253 cards in it, with pictures of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines i served with. One allied soldier as well. Who gave the sacrifice in iraq under my commander, the command of the First Armored division. And i just take one of those cards every day and just think about their life, what might have been, it was ten years ago that we served together in 2007, 2008, all of them would have been older today, their children are all growing up. It is good to think about their spouses, families, and what might have been with those young people who gave their life for the country. We look every year at whether it is at a parade in your hometown, whether youre one of the volunteers all across this country who brings small american flags, even flowers to the graves of the fallen, spider, we look at what happens in the u. S. , were used to some of the ceremonies. What is it like when youre in the service, when you are abroad, youre serving on this day. It really becomes quite emotional. Emotional on multiple levels. It is a notion of honoring those that have come before you, and you wake up every day and say, look, i dont want to screw up. Ive had a lot of incredible people that preceded me in this endeavor. I dont want to dishonor them with some mistake or something that i have chosen to do that really doesnt embrace their sacrifices and all of those that came before me. It is a reckoning as mark indicated, it is an opportunity to really take a moment to reflect, remember, bethankful, honor those who came before you, and take an opportunity of those around you and try to impact on them. It is like when youre in the middle of something, and you get immersed in that activity. You often forget what youre about, you often forget why youre there. This is a great, you know, to go silent is an opportunity to grab the sleeve of the person next to you and say, hey, lets take a moment and really think about why we are here today at this ball game, at this picnic, with our family members, having a wonderful time, spending time with our grandchildren, our children. Lets stop and remember why were really doing this. Thats a level of emotion that is you can handle. It is not over the top. You dont get wrapped up in it. But it centers you. I think thats the most important thing. If i can reinforce what spider just said too, there is a great story from world war ii, when spider mentioned the phrase youre given the responsibility as a commander or as a leader, a sergeant, to lead other men and women in combat and it is a weighty responsibility. It weighs heavily on you. There is a great story about general lucian trustcot, dedicating the cemetery, the Military Cemetery in italy, and when he stood up to speak at the dais, instead of speaking to the crowd, he turned his back on the crowd and addressed the tombstones of the soldiers who had fought under him and apologized for anything that he might have done that affected their lives and caused their death. Thats something that weighs heavily on anyone that has to go to combat and lead others in combat. Thats part of the thing that is associated with the go silent campaign, especially for leaders, that have had that responsibility of taking men and women into combat. A powerful reminder. Stay with us. We are waiting for the program to begin there at arlington. A quick break and then were back. Your brain changes as you get older. But prevagen helps your brain with an ingredient originally discovered. In jellyfish. In clinical trials, prevagen has been shown to improve shortterm memory. Prevagen. 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Right now, get incredible savings on behr. Exclusively at the home depot. As we realize the price that is paid to have and maintain our freedom. We also remember the families and friends of those who have given their lives in service to our nation. We pray that they will be comforted and reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones is not in vain, and they are not forgotten. Lord, as always, we ask that you continue to give our wisdom to our commander in chief, his administration, our elected officials, our diplomats and military leaders as they promote peace throughout our country and around the world. Bless and be with our brave men and women deployed into harms way, we ask that you continue to bless them with strength and courage to be successful and we ask that they will come home soon. We thank you, god, for our country and our way of life. And we ask that you will continue to bless america. We ask these things not of ourselves, but in accordance to your will, and the promise of peace through your holy name as the prince of peace. Amen. Please join the u. S. Navy band and chorus in singing our national anthem. O say, can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming . Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there oh, say, does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . [ applause ] please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, general dunford. Ladies and gentlemen, once again, welcome to this mornings ceremony. Mr. President , secretary mattis, distinguished guests and most importantly to the gold star families with us this morning, it is an honor to join you in solemn remembrance. Today we pause to remember the more than 1 million americans who gave their last full measure so we could live in freedom and raise our children in peace. On this memorial day we also mark the 100th anniversary of world war i. In this war, to end all wars, americans deployed to europe and promised that they would not come back until it is over, over there. That phrase captures the spirit of every american who responded to the nations call by simply stating, here i am, send me. It is that Selfless Service that we associate with the memory of our fallen sons and daughters, moms and dads, brothers, sisters, and friends. Today we honor their service in the enormity of their sacrifice. Today we also reflect on a sacrifice of the families they left behind and for whom every day is memorial day. But most importantly, today we remember how they lived their lives. Those we honor represent the very best of our nation. They shared a commitment to something greater than themselves. And they were people who understood what we have in this country is worth fighting for. And though their lives were cut short, they lived long enough to touch our lives. And to make a difference. Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather to reflect and remember the fallen, let us also strengthen our own commitment to serve our nation, our communities, and the values for which we stand. If we do that, those who are taken from us prematurely will be able to look down and know that their lives had meaning. And they will know that we truly do remember. On behalf of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen that are still in uniform, thank you once again for being here and thank you for remembering. [ applause ] ladies and gentlemen, now as the United States navy band perform, the battle hymn of the republic. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored he hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword his truth is marching on glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah his truth is marching on i have seen him in the watch fires of 100 circling camps they have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps i can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps his day is marching on glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah his truth is marching on in the beauty of the lilies christ was born across the sea with the glory in his bosom that transfigured you and me as he died to make men whole let us live to make men free our god is marching on glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah his truth is marching on glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah his truth is marching on on and on [ applause ] ladies and gentlemen, secretary mattis. Ladies and gentlemen, secretary mattis. [ applause ] mr. President , gold star families, americans and allies, general dunford, a country worth fighting for indeed. I believe Robert Lewis Stevenson best captured the spirit of today when he wrote, under the wide and starry skied dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did i live and gladly die and i laid me down with a will. This be the verse you grave for me, here lies where i long to be, home is the sailor, home from the sea and the hunter home from the hill. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege and honor to introduce our commander in chief, president donald trump. [ applause ] [ applause ] thank you very much, everyone. Thank you very much. What an honor. Secretary mattis, and i love you too, general dunford, joint chiefs, members of the armed forces, members of the cabinet, members of congress, and distinguished guests, thank you for joining us on this solemn day of remembrance. We are gathered here on the sacred soil of Arlington National cemetery to honor the lives and deeds of americas greatest heroes, the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom. Today we pay tribute to their service, we mourn alongside their families, and we strive to be worthy of their sacrifice. The heroes who rest in these hallowed fields, in cemeteries, battlefields near and far are drawn from the full tapestry of american life. They came from every generation, from towering cities and wind swept prairies, from privilege and from poverty, they were generals, and privates, captains and corporals of every race, color and of every creed. But they were all brothers and sisters in arms. And they were all united then as they are united now forever by their undying love of our great country. [ applause ] there theirs was a love more deep and pure than most will ever know. It was a love that willed them up mountains, through deserts, across oceans and into enemy camps and unknown dangers. They marched into hell so that america could know the blessings of peace. They died so that freedom could live. Americas legacy of service is exemplified by a world war ii veteran who joins us today, senator bob dole. [ applause ] earlier there year, i was fortunate to present earlier this year, i was fortunate to present a very special award to bob, the congressional gold medal. [ applause ] bob, thank you for honoring us with your presence, and thank you for your lifetime of service to our nation. Today we remember your fallen comrades who never returned home from that great struggle for freedom. We are also proud to be in the company of another american hero, navy veteran ray chavez. [ applause ] [ cheers and applause ] at 106 years of age [ applause ] and he was in the oval office two days ago, and he doesnt look a day over 60. He is the oldest living survivor of the attack on pearl harbor. [ applause ] what a guy, and ray, you are truly an inspiration to all who are here today and all of our great country. Thank you, ray, for being with us. Thank you. [ applause ] thank you. Most importantly, were joined today by the families of american heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. We cannot imagine the depth of emotion that this day brings each year. The grief renewed, the memories relived, those last Beautiful Moments together, cherished and always remembered and you also feel that incredible pride, a pride shared by one really and truly grateful nation. [ applause ] to every parent who weeps for a child, to every child who mourns for a parent, and to every husband or wife whose heart has been torn in two, today we ask god to comfort your pain, to ease your sorrow, and to wipe away your tears. This is a very special day. And today our whole country thanks you, embraces you, and pledges to you we will never forget our heroes. [ applause ] joining us today is the family of marine Lieutenant Colonel david green who rests here at arlington. [ applause ] david grew up in upstate new york dreaming of attending the United States naval academy. In 1982, that dream came true. Soon another dream came true when dave met his eternal soulmate, sarah, who is here with their two beautiful children, jenna and wesley. [ applause ] hes looking down on you right now. You know that, right . Hes looking down on you, and hes so proud and happy. After ten years of service as a marine helicopter pilot, dave left active duty to spend more time with the people who truly filled his heart. Those are the people just met. But sarah knew the man she married, she knew he couldnt live without serving, couldnt do it. So she suggested he join the Service Services in the form of reserves, and thats what he did. In january, 2004, dave deployed to iraq. That summer, just a few weeks before he was scheduled to return home, he was called in to provide air support for Ground Troops who were in very serious danger. They were in very serious trouble. He immediately raced to the scene. As he covered his troops, she was shot by ground fire, giving up his life for his comrades and for his country. Lieutenant colonel green remains one of the highest ranking marines to have been killed in iraq since 2003. For him, it was never about rank or title. Like all of his fellow warriors, it was only about duty. He served to defend our flag and our freedom, and now his son wesley who is a senior at Liberty University plans to follow in his fathers footsteps and join the military. [ applause ] wesley, i just want to congratulate you and your entire family. Great, great family. Thank you very much, and thank you for being here with us. Thank you very much. Going to love the military. Those are incredible people. Were also honored to have with us today the family of army captain mark starbenhoffer and his wife, hattie, and their children, lauren, justin, and hope. [ applause ] thank you for being with us. Thank you very much, such an honor. Mark grew up not far from here in springfield, virginia. Every year he visited these grounds and hoped to someday serve here as a member of that very, very famous old guard. In 2004, mark deployed to iraq for the second time. While he was there, patty went into labor with their third child, and mark was with her by phone when their beautiful baby girl was born. Together, they named her hope. Just a few months later, mark was on a mission near baghdad when he was tragically slain by a snipers bullet. Today hope is 13 years old. Although she never had the chance to meet her great father, she can feel his love wrapped around her every single day. And when patty puts her children to bed and kisses them good night, she can see marks legacy beaming back at her through their bright and glowing eyes. Thank you very much. [ applause ] really beautiful. You know that, right . Also joining us today is a very special friend, 7yearold christian jacobs, who is here with his mom, brittany. I met christian exactly one year ago today. Last year after the wreathlaying ceremony, christian walked over to me with great confidence, shook my hand, looked me straight in the eye, and asked if i would like to meet his dad. He loved his dad. Marine Sergeant Christopher jacobs w