On This Day We Reflect

As another school year comes to a close, we have invitations in hand for graduation ceremonies and parties. Memorial Day has become synonymous with the opening of the neighborhood pool, picnics, barbecues, the beginning of summer and graduations. When we visited Washington D.C. a couple years ago, we made a point of adding Arlington National Cemetery to our itinerary where we witnessed the changing of the guard ritual as well as the wreath laying ceremony. Taking time to read names on grave markers and visit the various war memorials was extremely important to us. This year, Madison will be spending Memorial Day performing at a veteran’s ceremony along with other members of her class band.

The focus of Memorial Day should be a time to recognize the sacrifices so many have made so that we can enjoy the freedom to attend gatherings with family and friends. On this – and every – Memorial Day, we hang our flag and are thankful for all the men and women of our armed services who have given their lives to protect our rights.

To all of our readers, have a safe, joyous and thankful Memorial Day.