It’s the end of May and the weather is finally getting nice. For many, our minds are turning to the list of chores we have to get done in the yard or the outdoor adventures we are planning to enjoy. We even have a long weekend coming up. However it isn’t just a long weekend, it’s Memorial Day weekend.

Please take a moment this Memorial Holiday to remember and honor the selfless courage of real-life heroes who answered our nation’s call when they were needed. They put country before self, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and the many blessings we enjoy. They chose to serve others – their country, their community, their buddy right next to them in the foxhole.

Many area cemeteries this weekend will be decorated with little flags. These flags represent a soldier lost. For each flag that you see, a mother and father are grieving the loss of a child, or there is a spouse suddenly alone, or a child who will never again hug dad or mom.

Thankfully, many of our heroes do come home safely. Thank a veteran for his or her service. If they choose to share a story about their fallen friends, take the time to truly listen. Passing down their stories is a profound way to honor their memory.

I will be paying my respects to our fallen service personnel at Memorial Day events planned throughout southwest Michigan. You can pay your respects by attending one of the many local ceremonies or parades, flying the flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon, or by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.

To all the men and women who have fallen in service to our great country we thank you and remember your selfless service. To your families, we acknowledge that while we can never understand the loss that you have suffered, we are thankful that your loved one was willing to serve and make the ultimate sacrifice for the many blessings we enjoy. To your comrades, thank you for your honorable service and we will always remember your fallen friends.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends: – John 15.13

God bless and have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

 

Brad Paquette, R, represents the 78th District, which covers Berrien county.