Memorial Day - A Time to Remember

Originally called “Decoration Day”, Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor and remember those that gave their life in service and defense of the United States of America.

It's not about the beginning of summer, a day off of work or school, or turning it into a longer weekend. It's about honor and freedom and sacrifice. We are able to have picnics and barbeques,  long weekends and all sorts of fun on this glorious weekend because so many brave men and women felt so strongly about "Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" that they were willing to, and in many cases did, lay down their lives for the American way of life. 

God bless them all, their families, their friends and the men and women who stood next to them,  each one sacrificing of themselves for so many of the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted.

Today I had the privilege to observe the Palatine Memorial Day Ceremony. Hosted by American Legion Post 690, it really starts early in the morning with the placing of flags at each of the grave sites of soldiers in Palatine's cemeteries. At 10am a ceremony at Salem Cemetery followed by a parade and ceremonies at the Veteran's Memorial in Community Park and a ceremony at the Legion Memorial at Towne Square Thanks to all those that gave of their time to organize, plan and participate in this solemn occasion. And thanks to all those citizens who showed up to honor this nation's heroes. 

God Bless the American Soldier!