Remembering those who have sacrificed this Memorial Day

May, June and July bring some significant milestones in our country's history.

Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, the anniversary of D-Day, and Armed Forces Day are just a few of the holidays and events that we celebrate and commemorate.

At this time, with school out for many, vacations beckon and family gatherings are common.

Let's all remember to be careful as we head out on the roads and the water to enjoy the warmer weather and the time away from school and work.

Let's be sure to safely enjoy sharing time with family and friends. We all need the opportunity to connect and share our heritage and common values that such occasions provide us.

Yet while we're enjoying the holidays, let's remember who and what made these holidays possible and allow us, each year, to celebrate.

Memorial Day provides a day of honoring those who sacrificed so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have.

Many of us have family or friends who have served in the military or who are serving today. For many, those who served did so at the cost of their lives.

We can each pay our respects and show our appreciation for those efforts.

Attend one of our local Memorial Day services.

Decorate the graves of soldiers with flags or flowers.

Visit and learn about our country's memorials.

Learn about our rich cultural and historical heritage here and the men and women who played a role in our history.

Support a charity serving veterans and their families.

Discuss the meaning of Memorial Day with your children.

At the very least, take a moment from your celebrations this Memorial Day weekend and remember those who served and those who serve today both far and near.

It's the least we can do.