What follows is my simple poem in honor of memorial day. It is not just another "long weekend" or the harbinger of summer picnics with loved ones. It is a day to remember our beloved fallen men and women in uniform that have fought in just wars and unwise ones and paid by their precious blood for the freedoms we too often take for granted. Remember too and pray for their families if you are a person of faith, or simple reflection on their sacrifice if you are not.

As we live our busy lives and deal with our everyday problems, it is easy to forget the simple fact that the freedom we enjoy is not free; it was bought and paid for by the brave souls who put on a uniform and stood as bulwarks against the enemies of freedom. Think of them, and of the families they left behind.

On Veterans Day we honor those who served and returned home with or without wounds that cannot heal. and I hope that like me you will from time to time thank a soldier in uniform (or a cop, or firefighter, or EMS worker, or ER nurse or doctor . . .) for their service. They have no day to honor them and also deserve our thanks. But this weekend and especially Monday is the day we should remember at the very least for a few minutes of reflection all who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

May God bless them all, and may we never forget the debt we owe them and teh loved ones they left behind which can never be fully repaid for their selfless sacrifice.