Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Officially proclaimed by General Logon on 5 May 1868 proclaiming “Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.”

There’s a history of military service in my family going back to the Civil War.  My dad along with his childhood friend, Walter LeKites III aka Dubby, served in Viet Nam.  My Grandfathers served in WWII.  I have childhood friends who served in Desert Storm & during a time of peace.  Friend’s dads served as well.  All in different branches.  They all came home.

My senior year in high school, my close friend lost her brother, Charlie, in an Army helicopter tragedy after he & his buddy got everyone off.  Another close friend lost her cousin, Matt, in Iraq while on a mission to rescue others.  Both heroes.  Both greatly missed.  There are too many more nameless to me but family to others who gave their lives.  To all I am grateful.

You too can probably start to make a list of those you know who have served your country…our country.  Take time today to respectfully honor their service.  The “National Moment of Remembrance” asks that at 3 p.m. your local time you voluntarily & informally observe in your own way a moment of remembrance & respect, pausing from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

It’s the least we can do to remember those who gave.