Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. For many of us, it's a day off work, the unofficial start of the summer season. And while it's nice to have the day off and I'm definitely ready for summer, we need to insure that the true meaning of the day isn't lost in the rush to enjoy warm weather and a barbeque.

Originally called "Decoration Day", today is a day to remember the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for those of us who remain behind. It was first celebrated shortly after the end of the U.S. Civil War and was originally a way to remember those Union soldiers killed during that conflict. Since the end of World War I, it's been a day to remember casualties of all U.S. wars and military actions.

Whether you attend a memorial service at your local cemetery, watch a parade or just spend some time in quiet reflection, I hope that you'll take time to honor the thousands of men and women who have made the freedom you enjoy possible. And when you see a veteran who has returned home, please take a moment to let them know you are grateful they sacrificed their time and put their life on the line.

It's especially important that we tell our veterans now how we feel. Many of the remaining veterans of World War II and Korea are in their 80's and countless Vietnam vets are getting ready to collect their pensions because they're turning 65.

Better still, if you get a chance to have an in depth visit with a veteran, listen to what he or she will tell you about his or her experience. I know there are many experiences which are just too horrible to relate, but there are valuable lessons to be learned from those who have seen the horrors of war. May we learn those lessons and use them to avoid the horrors in the future!