For many of us, Memorial Day is an eagerly anticipated three day weekend in May for parades, picnics and vacations. But for our nation’s history and collective memory it is much more and rightly so.

The American soldiers who are honored on this day, young and old, are given a moment of silence. We remember our U.S. Military Soldiers who serve, have been injured or died while fighting for our right to be free. God Bless America!

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, there is always an abundance of activities to enjoy:

• Coco-Cola 600
• Lake Norman
• NC/SC Beaches
• Graduation Parties
• Cookouts
• Minor League Baseball

And numerous other activities we always enjoy on this extended weekend.

Let us not forget the true meaning of this holiday weekend; those brave men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice to uphold our rights and freedom.

I was reminded of this earlier today as I met with a close friend and his family, barely a week before he is deployed to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty.

“Speedy” as we love to call him, is a US Marine and proud American. He has fought for our country before and will very soon, be fighting for us again. His attitude is always upbeat and positive, the smile is literally tattooed on his face like the American flag is on his arm.

“Speedy” is this weekend, along with thousands of others just like him. Stop for a second sometime this weekend and remember those who went before us and those who go for us now. Say a prayer for our true heroes and our fallen heroes. They are what make America great!

Kevin Smith