Memorial Day. For those of us in America, it’s the holiday that marks the gateway to summertime – a season of lazy days at the shore, backyard barbecues, and road trips to visit the world’s largest ball of twine or maybe the Mystery Spot, a three-day weekend providing welcome respite from the rigors of our hectic work-a-day lives.

With so much fun to be had, it can be easy to forget the solemn origins of this holiday that has been with us since the 1800’s. Memorial Day should be a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. It is a time to pause and offer our thanks to those who give their time – and in many cases, their lives – so that We The People can enjoy the freedoms that have been paid for by the sacrifices of our military men and women, and their families.

Korean War Memorial, Washington DC

A cynical public sometimes questions using “hero” to describe soldiers, yet safeguarding our freedom is a vast responsibility that armed forces personnel around the world willingly shoulder on our behalf. Shouldn’t that alone warrant the use of the term “hero”? As noted by U.S. Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock, “Freedom is not free”.

No matter what your view, the time is right to recognize these honorable sacrifices. In honor of the Memorial Day holiday, Interprose offers its thanks and best wishes to veterans, armed forces personnel, and military families everywhere for their service and sacrifice.