American’s take the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for granted.

The very fact that I can type these words and distribute them is testimony to the freedoms each of us have as individuals to say what we think in a free society.

Memorial Day weekend has become trivialized as the joyous start to summer and while it is a great thing to celebrate the end of the grip of rain and cold as we look forward to warm days and nights, the three–day weekend is not about barbecues and picnics, or the latest sale at the new car dealership.

It is about remembering and thanking those who have given their all to protect the freedoms that we enjoy.

Read more: Memorial Day is More than Picnics