As we approach Memorial Day, our excitement continues to build as we await what many view as the official, unofficial start to summer.  Memorial Day may not actually be the start of summer on the calendar, but most people assimilate the holiday with true beginning of the summer season.  It is when the weather is supposed to change for good and baseball season is in full swing. It means that young kids are out of school,for the summer and that high school and college seniors have just graduated and are enjoying their time off before embarking on  anew venture this coming fall.

Memorial Day means something different for each of us.  As we near this weekend and in the midst of preparing for trips to the beach, pool or maybe a friend or family member’s home for a cookout, let us not forget the true meaning behind the holiday.  It is a day of respect and observance for those men and women who have served in the armed forces and dedicated their lives to protecting our nation and fighting for the freedoms that we all enjoy everyday. 

It is easy to get caught up in the many sales that will be happening in so many different retailers this weekend.  It is easy to become self-consumed in the party atmosphere that will be all around us at ball games and cookouts and beach houses all over the country. But, like many other holidays throughout the year, it is important to stay grounded and take a minute to recognize the true meaning behind the holiday in the first place and be grateful for what we have and why we have it. It is a great opportunity to thank a veteran close to you. It may be your mother, father, uncle , cousin, brother or sister.  That is not to say you can’t enjoy all of the festivities.  Of course, with any holiday, it often comes long with a day off from work and invitations to a number of family events.  Of course we should have a good time and enjoy these freedoms an hopefully have a great weekend to kick off the summer.  Whether you plan on heading out of town, or laying low this coming weekend, be safe and drive carefully.  Have a great holiday!