It’s 3 p.m. and I know that many of you have already started on your fun-filled Memorial Day weekend. Whatever you do and wherever you go, I hope you have fun and I hope you don’t get stuck in traffic on I-64. Whenever you get there – wherever that may be – grab a cold one, eat a hot dog, and save room for some apple pie. Summer is officially here. That’s why we celebrate Memorial Day, right?

Um, not really. Many of us have forgotten the “memorial” part of Memorial Day. Between the furniture sales and concerts and 5K runs and block parties, I hope you remember the real reason why Monday is a federal holiday. Memorial Day is the day we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s only been an official holiday since 1971, but Memorial Day – originally called Decoration Day – was started in the aftermath of the Civil War, when people decorated the graves of fallen soldiers on both sides of that awful conflict that claimed over 620,000 American lives. And although that war is far removed from our memory, perhaps it’s easier to remember and mourn those who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq and other places fighting terrorism – more than 6,300 Americans. #sadfact

In 2000, President Clinton issued a memorandum called the National Day of Remembrance, asking Americans to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died in the defense of freedom. On Monday, at 3 p.m., I hope you’ll take a moment on your way back from the beach or backyard barbecue to remember the fallen.