In 1868, Decoration Day was established to commemorate the dead from the Civil War. Over the years, and as conflicts continued to call our soldiers to war, Decoration Day came to serve as a day to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars – and the day’s name was changed to Memorial Day.

Most people see Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer – and the first day to break out the old barbecue and grill some burgers and hot dogs with family and friends. I must confess that in my teenage years, I saw the day as just that – as I was naοve and unaware of the significance of this important holiday.

But now, as I am older and somewhat wiser, I see this day as not one of food and fun – but of recollection and remembrance of those fallen soldiers.

It is because of the men and women who made that ultimate sacrifice that we are able to cook food in our backyards, free of the worries of enemy attacks, gunfire and ambushes. Thanks to their selfless desire to enlist in our Armed Forces and their courage to defend the rights and privileges of each and every American – we can breathe the sweet air of freedom – and they should certainly be remembered for that.

Even now, as we plan our holiday weekend, our young men and women are in Iraq as we speak, constantly putting their lives on the line so we don’t have to, and we should be proud of them for what they are doing. Soldiers of any war are heroes – and no matter the enemy they face or the rank and file they face it from – they are the truest of Americans, because they decided to take up arms and fight for our freedom against oppression and tyranny.

As someone who has never been to war, I can only imagine what they must face on the battlefields. I could not imagine having to be on constant alert as I await the inevitable attack from my enemy – all the while missing my loved ones who await my safe return. I also could not imagine being seconds from death in a foreign country – knowing that as I go into the unknown – I would never get a chance to tell my family how much I loved them just one more time.

This Memorial Day, please enjoy your day however you plan to spend it – but make sure that you take the time to remember those heroes who gave their lives so that we can enjoy ours.

May they rest in peace.