The weekend leading up to Memorial Day is usually called the “Unofficial Start of Summer.” Stores run special sales and a lot of people plan their getaways or hope and pray the weather is sunny and warm for a picnic. Many towns plan their Memorial Day Services/Parades usually on the Saturday, Sunday or Memorial Day itself to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We feel for the families and friends whose loved ones came home in a casket or even more heartbreaking or those whose remains were never found, but you know they are gone.

The President of the United States also lays a wreath during a very solemn ceremony a the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is dedicated to American Service Members who have died without their remains being identified.

I believe with all my heart that after Memorial Day Services, your loved ones would like that day to end with happy memories of the times spent with them. You see, they made the ultimate sacrifice and fought overseas to protect our homeland and this we should all be very grateful for. Not only that, they also died in conflicts where they helped liberate citizens in other countries who were oppressed.

This is evident by the number of cemeteries and monuments worldwide where the remains of American Soldiers were laid or the names of those  missing in action are carved into monuments.

Late last week as we were passing Alpine Cemetery (in Perth Amboy) we saw several young people laying flags on Veteran’s grave-sites. The American Legion in Perth Amboy and similar organizations also do this.

On Memorial Day, these organizations were to have a ceremony of remembrance and then have light refreshments for the participants and the community.

So, for future Memorial Day  events, whether it be a cookout or just a simple gathering with family and/or friends which in essence is a celebration of life, raise a glass to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

For those who are still feeling the sting and deep pain at the loss of their loved ones, just think of the times when they made you laugh and take that memory and hold it tight as you fall asleep for the night.

We realize that there were service personnel who made that ultimate sacrifice leaving behind young children or those who were about to be born. We know how important it is to pass those memories onto them. C.M.