I hope that as we reflected this past weekend on the true meaning of Memorial Day and not just having a three-day weekend. Originally called Decoration Day, it was formalized by a “Memorial Day Order” issued by Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan in 1868. The modern proclamation calls on all Americans “to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace for those soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice and to decorate their graves. The name was changed to Memorial Day, and it became a federal holiday in 1971.

I know many of us have seen a veteran in restaurants displaying a hat that said what branch they served in. Do not be fooled by that old man or woman. Sure they may show signs of age but when they were young they were charging up beachheads, fighting in the deserts or jungles or flying fighter planes. Give them respect throughout the year by thanking them for providing freedom to all of us.

1-2-3 break.