As the last Monday of May rolls around, many of us look forward to the unofficial start of summer. The grills come out, the coolers are packed, and the highways buzz with travelers heading out for camping trips or beach getaways. Memorial Day weekend is often filled with family, fun, and sunshine — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But as we enjoy the freedom to celebrate, it’s important to remember why we have this freedom in the first place.

Memorial Day is not just another holiday.

It is a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty. It is a day set aside to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who laid down their lives in service to our country. These are not just names etched in stone or statistics in a history book — they were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends. They wore the uniform with pride and paid the ultimate price to protect the values we often take for granted.

While the backyard barbeques and lakefront retreats symbolize the freedom we enjoy, it’s worth pausing — even briefly — to reflect on the price that was paid for those freedoms. Take a moment to teach your children about the significance of the day. Attend a local memorial service. Visit a veteran’s cemetery. Fly the American flag in honor of the fallen. Even a silent moment of gratitude can serve as a powerful tribute.

Memorial Day is not about politics. It transcends party lines and personal beliefs. It’s about recognizing the courage, commitment, and selflessness of those who believed in something greater than themselves — and were willing to die for it.

So as you fire up the grill or hit the trail this weekend, carry a little piece of reverence with you. Let’s honor the memory of our fallen heroes not only with words, but with our actions — by living fully, appreciating deeply, and remembering always.

Freedom isn’t free. On Memorial Day, we remember the cost — and the brave souls who paid it.