Memorial Day is an American holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26.

While the day unofficially marks the beginning of summer, we must not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day: remembering those we’ve lost.

According to the National Archives, Memorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day, was observed by many communities after the Civil War, when the nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly 2% of the total population at the time. Memorial Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor all those who have died in service to the United States during peace and war.

Not only is the day meant to honor and remember those who died, but it’s also a day to recognize what they sacrificed and why.

In Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Memorial Day proclamation, it states, “WHEREAS, our freedom and success would not be possible without the brave soldiers who served in our armed forces and lost their lives to defend our state and nation.”

There are many traditions held for Memorial Day, including visiting cemeteries to decorate graves, attending parades and ceremonies, flying American flags, buying and wearing poppies, and more.

In Alpena, Memorial Day activities include flower placements at 9:30 a.m. at the Alpena County Courthouse, followed by a parade to Washington Park where a wreath will be thrown on the river and then proceed to Little Flanders Field for the laying of wreaths for each conflict during the main ceremony at 11 a.m.

Also, National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a moment of silence to memorialize those who have died while serving our nation.

This Memorial Day, take the time to honor those who have passed and appreciate them for what they have done so that we can preserve our freedom.

Remember the true reason for this long weekend and celebrate responsibly.