Memorial Day has more than one meaning to me. Of course, I think of the men and women who have fought for our right to have freedom. Especially the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to allow us to live in the manner so many of us take for granted.

How selfish of us.

I’m just as guilty as the next guy. So many people think of Memorial Day as an extra day off of work or as a great day to barbeque or open their pools. It’s become known as the weekend the public pools open as well.

When did we all forget the real meaning of Memorial Day?

Personally, I have a nephew and niece currently serving in the armed forces and are extremely proud of both of them. I think they’re both amazing people, as are every member of the service, past and present.

On the flip side, Memorial Day is also a day I remember my parents and what they sacrificed and gave me over the years. They are both gone now, and I cherish every memory I have of them. They were fantastic parents and I hope they realized just how much I loved them and how proud I was of them. I never showed it enough. Over the years I gave them grief, but somehow they just kept returning unconditional love to me.

I guess that’s what parents do. They showed me how to love and be loved by their daily example of the depth of love they had for each other. It was amazing to see. They also gave me so much more and I’ll be forever grateful to them for their love and nuturing over the years.

So today I honor and remember them as well as all of the men and women who keep us safe. To all of you, I send a big salute in your honor. You deserve it!