As we pause to remember those who have died in order to keep our country free, we ask that you also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Many will spend the long weekend hosting cookouts, traveling to see friends and relatives and watching sporting events.

Only a select few will take the time to attend one of the local Memorial Day parades that annually pay homage to the American soldiers who have died fighting to protect the freedoms we too often take for granted.

Now 150 years later, Memorial Day is still one of our most cherished patriotic observances.

People annually line the streets of their communities to show their support.

Bands play, floats roll past along with fire trucks, ambulances and police cars.

But once the parade passes by, people usually scatter and get back to enjoying their extended weekends without giving another thought to Memorial Day until next year.

But former President Bill Clinton tried to extend our remembrance of our veterans with the National Moment of Remembrance Act he signed in 2000.

The bill called for a national moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

That bill has now expired, but we would encourage everyone to continue to take that moment of silence Monday afternoon and pay one last respect to our fallen veterans.

A minute of our time is not too much to ask for.

After all, soldiers have died to give you the right to spend an extended weekend with family and friends.

It is the least we can do.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.