The Memorial Day weekend is upon us and many of us will enjoy some time with friends or family, a long weekend and no work Monday.

Many families will have their first cookout of the season with burgers, hot dogs and all of the side dishes and beverages.

However, many younger generations may have no idea what Memorial Day is all about.

Memorial Day is so much more than a day off from work. It is a day to remember the sacrifices made by our heroes to secure our freedom.

At some point during this weekend, we hope everyone takes a few minutes to think about and honor the sacrifices made by the men and women who died in active service of the military.

Let us remember them all: World War II, those who were a part of the “greatest generation.” Maybe your grandfather fought in the Korean War or served in Vietnam, and now our younger generations of soldiers have battled in the Middle East in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. We observe the holiday on the last Monday of May. From 1868 to 1970, it was celebrated each May 30.

Over the years, many families have spent the holiday weekend decorating the graves of beloved family members and friends who have passed on.

It is a good time to remember and reflect on those who have passed away.

Most public cemeteries have someone who cuts the grass and keeps them tidy. But there are many older private graveyards where that task is left to family and friends. Sometimes those graveyards are forgotten.

It is a time to think about those who we have lost. Even if it is just one time a year, it is respectable to put new flowers on those graves and remember all of those we have lost, especially those veterans who served our country.

When you see the American flags displayed on the cemeteries in Martin and Mingo counties, please take a moment to consider how much it means to those who once served in the military.

We remember and show respect for those who lost their lives in our country’s service.

We have not forgotten them.

We will never forget.