Remembering the Meaning of Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! Memorial Day weekend has become the kick-off to summer time. Vacations, bar-b-ques, beaches, pools, cold beer and hot nights. All of these words, and several more, have become synonymous with Memorial Day weekend and summer fun. However, this holiday weekend was not founded for hot dogs and potato salad. I think sometimes everyone, including myself, forgets that. This weekend we are supposed to be remembering those who have fallen and given their lives for us, for our freedom.

This weekend there are thousands of American families who have empty seats at their picnic tables and yellow ribbons around the oak trees. For many families those seats will remain empty. Those young men or women will not return home. They gave their lives in exchange for the freedom we all enjoy. For others, those seats sit empty waiting to be filled again.

So this weekend when you raise a glass, take a moment to remember. Remember how lucky you are to have your loved ones with you. Remember those who are fighting far away for you and for me. Pray that they come home soon and give their families the best Happily Ever After of all.