It’s Memorial Day weekend, a weekend filled with parties, picnics and most importantly memorial services. We’ve all heard many times that freedom is not free and this weekend we all should take time to reflect on those great folks that have given their lives to fight for this great country and maintain the freedom that we all sometimes take for granted.

Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day back in the 1800’s and is described as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th 1868 and was first observed on May 30th 1868 when flowers were placed on graves at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia following the Civil War. New York was the first state to recognize the holiday. The northern states (Union) followed New York to recognize the holiday. The southern states (Confederates) refused to recognize the day because they honored those that died on another day. After World War I the days meaning changed to honoring those that died in fighting any war and not just the Civil War. Memorial Day is now celebrated around the country on the final Monday of May each year.

Memorial Day is more than just a day off from school or work; it’s a day to remember all of those that lost their lives in war for our freedom! A day to stop and reflect. Think about the sacrifice of those.

It is so important to remember those, but also remember our Veterans that made it home after serving and remember those that our currently fighting for our freedom every day. We should all pray daily for them. I have two cousins, they are brothers and they are overseas taking excellent care of injured soldiers and I think about them every day! Matthew and Andrew LaPlante of North Tonawanda are their names and they are my heroes along with all those that have served and are currently serving this great country! This weekend thank a service member and their families! Have a great Memorial Day weekend. If you know someone that has served or is currently serving please put their name below…

More From The New 96.1 WTSS