As we prepare for our three-day weekends, thoughts of beach days, barbecues and camping trips are likely in mind, as Memorial Day weekend typically signifies the start of summer.

We encourage you, however, to take time this weekend to remember what Memorial Day is all about.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday originated in the years following the Civil War to honor fallen officers who had served the country in the armed forces. For many years, Decoration Day/Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30, but in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees, according to history.com.

The same law declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971.

Though this law was enacted to give employees an extended weekend, we know it continues to be important to our country to celebrate and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so this weekend.

Each of our communities has some sort of festival or parade dedicated to remembering fallen officers.

• Dowagiac will also host a Memorial Day parade beginning with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. and proceeding to Riverside Cemetery for veterans’ services.

• Niles will host a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday. The parade weaves through downtown to Silverbrook Cemetery, where a ceremony will be hosted to honor fallen veterans.

• Edwardsburg will host a Memorial Day Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gunn Park. Hosted by the Edwardsburg Area Chamber, the festival follows the parade and features vendors filled with artisans, food and vendors.

• Cassopolis VFW will host a Memorial Day parade beginning at 10 a.m. down Broadway and up to Prospect Hill Cemetery, where military honors, including taps and a gun salute will be offered.

Even if you cannot attend these organized events, we encourage you to spend time with your families, and keep those who have lost loved ones in the military in your thoughts and prayers as you do.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.