It began as a way to memorialize the military casualties of the Civil War, and was originally termed Decoration Day. Decorating the graves of the countless multitudes of fallen soldiers helped to console the grieving survivors of the debacle while uniting the once divided nation in a worthwhile common cause.

For many today, Memorial Day represents the beginning of the summery high season. Kids soon enjoy their vacations from school. Families and individuals go traveling, camping surfing, and whatever else represents fun in the sun in the months to come.

This coming weekend let us remember to take at least a little time to pay homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. For us all.

Get out and enjoy the great parade on Sunday. It is always inspirational and a great place to meet old friends and perhaps make some new ones. Take some time to meet and get to know a veteran that you may encounter. They deserve recognition and thanks for the service they have given, and you may come away from the experience feeling a bit more enlightened and enriched than before.

Most of all, give some thought to what the brave men and women who laid down their lives mean to all of us today. How the freedom and quality of life we enjoy in America would not be possible without those selfless acts of courage and devotion.

And have a great weekend. It’s a part of what we fight for.