The end of May is a beautiful time to celebrate the start of summer with summer weather, gardening, camping, and barbecues during the three-day weekend of Memorial Day weekend. However, it is easy to get distracted and forget the significance of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is intended to mourn and pay tribute to the brave men and women, past and present, who lost their lives in military service.

This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a family barbecue or enjoy taking our children camping. In fact, we are able to enjoy these activities because of the sacrifices of those who served our country.

What is important is to take the time to reflect on how these sacrifices have affected your life, say a prayer of thanks for your blessings and comfort for those who lost their lives and their families. And most importantly, involve your children so they can learn to appreciate and respect this holiday. Then honor the memory of our lost servicemen and women by enjoying start of summer with your family.