As we're sure you already know, Memorial Day marks the traditional beginning of summer in the U.S., the time for sun, fun, and for most children, summer vacation from school.
Of course, it's also the primary holiday to honor those Americans who have died in the service of their country. We thank those service members today, and wish that no other Americans, now serving, would ever be forced to join the rosters of those who died while in service to the nation.
Some people believe this holiday should be observed exclusively in somber and quiet respect. While we understand that position, we tend to believe that attitude is all wrong.
Memorial Day shouldn't just be about those men and women who died for our freedoms.
It should also be about celebrating that which they died for.
So, for those kids graduating high school this weekend - who have the opportunity to live in a country with relatively high academic standards - we salute you. Toss that cap and tassel with pride this weekend.
For those of you who are helping friends, neighbors, family, and other loved ones pick up the pieces from the weather related disasters around the country - or who are working to prevent more disasters, like flooding - we salute you too.
For all of those who keep the world running, even on holiday weekends - police, fire, and paramedics; doctors, nurses and hospital staff; members of the media; even retail workers - we salute you as well.
America isn't just a country. It's a series of communities and people tied together by common bonds, including the belief that things can always improve if we work together and believe in one another. We give each other hope to keep reaching farther; to keep working harder (and smarter); to do the right thing, when it would be easier to do the wrong one. All of that is possible, thanks to those who were willing to give their last measure so that the rest of us might have one more day, week, month, or trip around the sun.
Memorial Day, to us, is about celebrating the lives of those servicemembers, men and women alike, from all walks of life, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that those of us still living might have better, longer lives.
We hope you remember this weekend and those who sacrificed for their country, as we all begin the next season on the calendar.
Enjoy your holiday weekend.
We'll see you when we return on Tuesday, May 31.
