Freedom ain’t free, the saying goes, and families Northeast Michigan and across the U.S. know that to be true.

According to the military, Americans who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice in battle include 53,402 during World War I, 291,557 during World War II, 33,739 during the Korean War, 47,434 during the Vietnam War, 137 during the Persian Gulf War, and at least 5,449 during the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many more died in non-battle situations during those wars.

This weekend, as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, may we pause to reflect upon those sacrifices and what they mean to our way of life.

Indeed, as we pop open a beer or a can of pop and throw some hot dogs on the grill this weekend, as we gather with family and friends, as we attend church on Sunday — indeed, as we read this expression of a free press — we should know that none of that may have been possible were it not for those sacrifices made in global theaters to protect American ideals.

So take a pause this weekend and say a prayer or hold a moment of silence for those servicemen and servicewomen who died on the battlefield so that you may rejoice in your back yard.

If you know a family member of one of those lost soldiers, marines, or airmen, thank them for their sacrifice. Tell them how much you appreciate all they’ve been through so you can be free.

And, if you see an active-duty servicemember or a military veteran, thank them for being willing to make that sacrifice every time they put on the uniform.

Thank you, fallen soldiers, for protecting us and protecting our way of life.

Happy Memorial Day.