According to www.usmemorialday.org, Memorial Day “was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.” Over the years, generations of families and friends have expanded the tradition to include all of America’s fallen soldiers.

To some, the Memorial Day weekend might signify nothing more than a long weekend and a good excuse to break out the barbecue. I don’t want launch into a string of clichés here (“freedom isn’t free” being one of my favorites), but it’s an absolute certainty that our way of life would be drastically altered if U.S. soldiers hadn’t sacrificed-and continued to sacrifice-on our behalf. Politics aside, we need to take at least a moment and acknowledge that fact.

So while we’re enjoying this extra break, while we’re having great food and good times with our families and friends, let’s pause and remember why we have these opportunities. They were earned at great cost, even if the cost was not directly ours.

A heartfelt thank you to all who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces. And best wishes to everyone-have a safe, enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day.