Hotdogs. Pool time. Four-day weekend. This is what Memorial Day weekend is all about, right? Depends on who you ask.

For the majority of Americans, yes. It’s a time to relax, celebrate and enjoy the start of the summer season. For others, the descriptors of said weekend holds a very different sentiment.

Sacrifice. Empty boots. Graveside flowers.

As a military spouse, I’ve become increasingly sensitive to the fact that for many, this weekend is a time to reflect on the gift we’ve been given.

A hard-fought gift.
One that required the ultimate sacrifice.
A gift carried on the shoulders of brave men and women
who never returned home to their families.

The gift of freedom.

So this weekend, as you light up the grills, shop the sales and do cannonballs from the deep end of the pool, let’s remember why we’re celebrating in the first place. Let’s remember those who served their country. Let’s remember the families who have loved and lost. Let’s remember those who still make a conscientious choice every day to defend our freedoms in spite of the personal risk.

Let’s remember. And let’s celebrate. Hug your loved ones. Enjoy the fellowship. Salute the Red, White and Blue. And cherish the gift we’ve been given.

Happy Memorial Day, friends.