Civil War hero General John Logan fathered the movement to make Memorial Day a National Holiday. He left us with many traditions, but sadly some of these traditions are not practiced by all. The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors, and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This year let us work to do the following:

1. visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
2. visit memorials.
3. fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
4. fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well.
5. participate in a moment of silence at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and play Taps.
6. renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of fallen soldiers, and aid the disabled veterans.

Also, we may work with Veterans. Celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend with your  friends and family, but also be grateful to those who served, and to those who never made it home.