We all know Memorial Day as a day when many of us grill burgers, hang out at the lake, have a vacation from work, and spend time with family.  Of course, the real purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the men and women who lost their lives in service to our country.

The federal government proclaimed the third Monday in May as Memorial Day as part of the National Holiday Act of 1971.  However, much of the country (okay, I mean the north) began honoring fallen servicemen from the Civil War in 1868 on what was then known as Decoration Day.

So, today, as we enjoy our comforts, safety, friends, and family, let us also recall the children who grew up without their soldier parent, the husbands and wives who sacrificed their future with their military spouse, and our fellow countrymen and women who have fought to defend our freedoms.

This is a day of celebration, but also a day to celebrate the memories of those who lost their lives in defense of our country. God Bless their families and all of the military men and women still serving our country.