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Take time to reflect on true meaning of Memorial Day

The first official holiday of the summer arrives Monday, making for a nice long weekend for many of us.

While some will see this only as a time to spend time at the lake, get out on a boat or do a little grilling, all of us should take time this weekend and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day is a holiday to remember and honor those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

Its origin dates back to the Civil War, when Union veterans began decorating the graves of Union war dead. Then, it was known as Declaration Day. It wasn’t officially recognized as Memorial Day until 1967.

The sacrifice of brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country should never be minimized, trivialized or most importantly — forgotten. War isn’t a video game played out on a screen, it involves real people making snap judgments in real time — decisions that often can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, war is ugly and doesn’t always end well. Often people die.

When that occurs, it only is right we remember they died helping to preserve the way of life we have become accustomed to. They died protecting our freedom, our heritage and our future.

A number of local observances occur all around Northeast Michigan this weekend where we can show these men and women a huge debt of gratitude.

Isn’t it fair we stop, pause, remember and pray for them this Memorial Day?

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