I helped set up the crosses/stars/crescents and also placed personal mementos in front of some of them. One of the crosses I did belonged to Casey Sheehan.

I have to say, that was one of the harder things I've done. So many lives wasted. So many hearts broken. The personal notes and pictures were painful to look at. But at the same time, it's so very necessary.

The people who work with Veterans for Peace are really fabulous. So kind and inviting...and they work so hard setting up this memorial, but they do it with such grace.

One of the things they do every week is place a flag-draped coffin for each soldier killed the previous week. Did you realize that we lost 37 soldiers this week? Thirty seven. It really becomes more than a number when you help drape flags and carry them onto the beach.

But amidst the sadness, there were definite moments of true humanity. As we were carrying the coffins, a group of 20-something guys walked up and asked if they could help. Turns out, they were members of the Belgian Air Force, on vacation in Santa Monica. They were so kind to help! It really made all of us smile.

I'm planning on volunteering once a month or so. If you're in the Santa Monica area, you should consider it. It's such an eye-opening experience.